After weeks of rumor-fueled hypothesis, the Houston Rockets landed their man with the third general choose: Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard. It was believed that Houston might take Connecticut massive man Donovan Clingan or commerce down in an asset seize out of the third slot altogether, however as soon as they have been on the clock, it was in the end Sheppard’s title that was referred to as to the rostrum.
Sheppard, the newest addition to Houston’s spectacular core of first spherical lottery expertise, is a 6’3 sharpshooter who shot a blistering 52% from lengthy distance throughout his freshman season at Kentucky. He’ll ultimately unfold the ground for a Rockets crew which was one of many worst capturing models in the complete league final season and had an general anemic offense. The Rockets boasted a high ten protection for the whole lot of the 12 months.
After all, Houston solely had the choose because of the 2021 blockbuster commerce which despatched James Harden to Brooklyn. The choose was initially projected to be ninth however leapfrogged others on the lottery drawing. The Rockets swapped future obligations owed by Brooklyn in 2026 and 2027 on Tuesday night time as half of a bigger commerce which introduced again swaps and picks into the longer term from the Phoenix Suns. Houston is betting massive on a Suns implosion.
Sheppard joins a crowded Rockets backcourt which options veteran guard Fred VanVleet and fourth 12 months capturing guard Jalen Inexperienced, now eligible for a contract extension. Sophomore guards Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore will see prolonged minutes off the bench. It’s unlikely in the meanwhile that Sheppard will initially play a serious position within the Rockets’ rotation although he might function a substitute for journeyman guard Aaron Vacation.
VanVleet, signed to a 3 12 months, $128.54 million final offseason has a membership possibility on his contract in 2025-2026 when he will likely be owed $44.89 million. If Sheppard develops as hoped, the Rockets might decline the choice and half methods with VanVleet, opening up in depth room beneath the wage cap. Sheppard, like VanVleet, brings a change of tempo to Houston’s backcourt, together with his capturing and playmaking prowess. He can even be beneath contract for 4 full seasons upon signing his rookie scale contract.