HOUSTON — As coaching camp opened this week, rookie level guard Reed Sheppard adopted within the footsteps of a number of of his Rockets teammates — akin to Jalen Inexperienced, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson — by collaborating further taking pictures periods after observe. The thought, after all, is to get used to the completely different dynamics of an NBA court docket.
Throughout a taking pictures drill from past the 3-point line, Sheppard was not allowed to advance to the following level till he made a sure variety of pictures. That feat appeared too straightforward for the previous Kentucky Wildcat, who shot 52.1% on 3-pointers final season en path to incomes 2023-24 Southeastern Convention (SEC) Rookie of the Yr honors. .
“His type, his rotation on the ball, he undoubtedly has confidence,” Smith stated of Sheppard. “He’s undoubtedly among the finest shooters I’ve seen in observe. I believe that is one thing that everybody is aware of. I do not suppose it is a secret. We’re inspired to stand up greater than 3. Each time he’s open we encourage him to let it fly.
Smith spoke after one in all this week’s practices on the new Houston coaching heartwhich hosts the Rockets’ new 2024-25 season camp.
The Rockets first obtained a glimpse of what Sheppard, the No. 3 total choice within the 2024 NBA Draft, might change into throughout Summer season League. In Las Vegas, the 6-foot-3 guard averaged 20.0 factors, 5.0 assists and a pair of.0 steals per recreation. His capacity to safe his place and get vaccinated is a testomony to the quantity of labor he did rising up and for his dad and mom, former Division 1 basketball gamersfor educating him to be smarter on the sphere.
“It comes from my dad and mom and I am at all times within the health club,” the youthful Sheppard stated throughout media day of his basketball intelligence. “You simply need to learn to play basketball the correct approach and at all times make the correct basketball play, and should you do not make that proper basketball play, you will hear about it later within the night time. I believe mother and pop are simply there for me, teaching me and being round basketball my complete life.
One space Sheppard might want to enhance as his rookie season progresses will likely be his capacity to defend the larger, stronger gamers he faces on a nightly foundation. Most groups search for mismatches by operating a number of screens, which is one thing he was considerably accustomed to enjoying in school — however not in opposition to opponents the dimensions and talent of NBA gamers.
“Have that edge and that chip in your shoulder with guys attempting to assault you,” head coach Ime Udoka stated when requested what Sheppard ought to do when groups search for him on the defensive finish. “There are additionally methods to guard ourselves and what we’ll do to keep away from a few of these disparities. It is one thing we have been engaged on. Altering the correct path and methods…and methods to get out of bother.
If the Rockets wish to toughen Sheppard up and put together him for NBA physicality, they need not look far. Veteran ahead Dillion Brooks has volunteered to assist put together the 20-year-old for what lies forward.
“He’s tactical along with his offensive recreation, which impresses me,” Brooks stated. “I believe subsequent observe I’ll have to protect him just a little bit simply to present him that DB (Dillon Brooks) taste.”
Extra: Coming into second NBA season, Amen Thompson will get bodily for Rockets
This text was initially revealed on Rockets Wire: As Reed Sheppard begins his profession, the Rockets put together the rookie for the challenges of the NBA
