After weeks of rumor-fueled speculation, the Houston Rockets landed their man with the third overall pick: Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard. It was believed that Houston could take Connecticut big man Donovan Clingan or trade down in an asset grab out of the third slot altogether, but once they were on the clock, it was ultimately Sheppard’s name that was called to the podium.
Sheppard, the most recent addition to Houston’s impressive core of first round lottery talent, is a 6’3 sharpshooter who shot a blistering 52% from long distance during his freshman season at Kentucky. He’ll eventually spread the floor for a Rockets team which was one of the worst shooting units in the entire league last season and had an overall anemic offense. The Rockets boasted a top ten defense for the entirety of the year.
Of course, Houston only had the pick as a result of the 2021 blockbuster trade which sent James Harden to Brooklyn. The pick was originally projected to be ninth but leapfrogged others at the lottery drawing. The Rockets swapped future obligations owed by Brooklyn in 2026 and 2027 on Tuesday night as part of a larger trade which brought back swaps and picks into the future from the Phoenix Suns. Houston is betting big on a Suns implosion.
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Sheppard joins a crowded Rockets backcourt which features veteran guard Fred VanVleet and fourth year shooting guard Jalen Green, now eligible for a contract extension. Sophomore guards Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore will see extended minutes off the bench. It’s unlikely at the moment that Sheppard will initially play a major role in the Rockets’ rotation though he could serve as a replacement for journeyman guard Aaron Holiday.
VanVleet, signed to a three year, $128.54 million last offseason has a club option on his contract in 2025-2026 when he will be owed $44.89 million. If Sheppard develops as hoped, the Rockets could decline the option and part ways with VanVleet, opening up extensive room under the salary cap. Sheppard, like VanVleet, brings a change of pace to Houston’s backcourt, with his shooting and playmaking prowess. He will also be under contract for four full seasons upon signing his rookie scale contract.
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