NBA draft expert says Reed Sheppard has more upside than Jalen Green

Reed Sheppard was the first college basketball player off the board in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets selected the former Kentucky Wildcats guard with the third overall pick. He marks the fourth top-four pick – and eighth first-round pick – selected by the franchise in the past four drafts.

Sam Vecenie of The Athletic believes that Sheppard has more upside than Jalen Green, who was the first of those picks. Speaking on the Game Theory Podcast, the NBA draft expert stated:

I think Reed is a higher upside player than Jalen Green, personally, at this point. That’s no shot to Jalen Green. I just think Reed’s passing and playmaking and feel is just world’s ahead of where Jalen Green is.

Jalen has all the athleticism and separation ability and all that stuff, but the ability to make plays for your teammates and be an unselfish player, I don’t know, man.

The second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft had a strong third season with the Rockets. He averaged 19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks per game while shooting 42.3% from the field, 33.2% from three-point range and 80.4% from the free-throw line.

While his playmaking ability will likely never reach an elite level, he is not expected to be the primary facilitator as a shooting guard. Rockets coach Ime Udoka will have several options available in the backcourt when filling out his starting lineup next season.

"I think Reed is a higher upside player than Jalen Green….."
-Sam Vecenie[@Sam_Vecenie]

Thoughts?#Rockets pic.twitter.com/Y1hfxyJ791

— Chris Gorman (@GormanChristoph) July 22, 2024

Reed Sheppard shined in the NBA Summer League

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) shoots against the Washington Wizards during the third quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

While the NBA Summer League is not any indication of how a player’s career will turn out, teams still want to see early signs of potential – particularly from early lottery picks. The Houston Rockets are likely thrilled with Reed Sheppard’s performance in his first taste of NBA action.

The third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft averaged 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.0% from the field, 27.8% from three-point range and 75.0% from the free-throw line. Among players who played at least four games, he ranked fourth in scoring, 11th in assists, third in steals and 25th in blocks.

Although his ceiling was considered to be lower than some of the other top picks in this year’s draft, Sheppard was viewed as one of the safest picks due to his high floor. He will look to translate his Summer League success into a strong rookie season.

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