Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard was seen working out with NBA All-Star Trae Young. The third-round pick from Kentucky was in the Sports Academy gym getting shots ahead of training camp.
Trae Young on Instagram working out with Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard: pic.twitter.com/dqtnTsBjez
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) August 17, 2024
Sheppard and Young are similar in size. Sheppard is 6’3” and weighs 185 pounds, while Young is 6’1” and weighs 165 pounds. Both are smaller guards and will be tasked with handling the ball this season for their respective teams.
Young is the franchise point guard in Atlanta, while Sheppard will likely come off the bench in Houston. However, both are elite shooters, and Sheppard has the potential to be great. Young posted a video on social media highlighting the work ethic of both.
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 17, 2024
Sheppard shot 52.1 percent from three-point range last season at Kentucky, making him the best shooter in the draft. The London, Ky., native still has Rookie of the Year hopes, even though he’s expected to come off the bench. Training with Young will help him improve his tools to become a true point guard.
With the Wildcats, Sheppard played most of their offensive possessions on the wing. He came off the bench for most of the season and split time with point guards DJ Wagner and Rob Dillingham. With the Rockets, he’ll be able to showcase his playmaking abilities, as well as his two-way potential.
During the Summer League, Sheppard averaged 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. With those stats and his workouts with the NBA’s top talent, Sheppard will have high hopes and expectations heading into his first year.
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