Everyone keeps bringing up Curry’s ball handling. The dude had to definitely work on his handles coming into the league. The same thing they are saying about Shepherd. I’m a huge Reed and Rob fan but I can almost bet my life they will not be as good as Curry. Reed doesn’t look to get his own shot enough but he will get better with that and he will get stronger.
I do agree that FVV's shooting is underrated, though I'll also note he does have that weird spin on it. Obviously hasn't affected him that much, though I'd like to think that would give Reed a chance to end up better if he matched in all other areas. It seems like FVV tried to fix that but never could successfully. Basically just another area where potentially Reed is like FVV but (slightly?) better. Now turning that potential into reality is another story.
You really don't see the distinction around building around a player's strengths vs building around a player's weaknesses?
It’s simple… the Celtics are masters at the drive and kick game. That team is full of guys who can shoot from distance. Best part is that Reed is a better shooter than all of those guys! So what would Reed have done in that game? Idk, maybe go 5-8 from or something, and players afraid to help off of him
I also think y’all aren’t factoring in this draft class. Some of are acting we would’ve been clamoring for Reed in last years draft. For this draft, he’s the best option for us at 3. He doesn’t have to be a star, but he can be extremely impactful. If he’s a role player that shoots 45% from 3 and makes plays on D, I’m good! He’s gonna elevate the entire team which is worth the pick. Who else would y’all want?! Another non shooter? We have so many similar players on this roster
They also have 2 of the best guys in the league that can break down defenses by driving and kicking. Right now we only have one and he has been a poor shooter. Just adding shooters will improve this team, but not make us contenders. We need Jalen or another SG that can break down defenses and shoot 3’s and Amen and/or Sengun to learn to shoot 3’s at a decent clip to become contenders. My only concern with taking Sheppard at 3 is whether he will ever be able to drive and ditch. I have no doubt his outside shot will transfer to the NBA.
Good post. This year’s draft class needs to be in context. I think if either Castle or Topic were 40%. 3 pt shooters they would be no. 1 pick in this draft. For the Rockets, I’m sure they are really analyzing these two guys and maybe a few more to see if there shot mechanics are sound. If they are they may pick one of them over Sheppard. We have to have a creator at SG if it’s not Jalen.
Indeed… but: 1. Rockets have this much more than 3 pt shooting already. 2. In 2024 nba 3pt shooting opens up the offense more than other scoring opens up 3 pt shooting. Aka give me 3pt shooting over other scoring if I can only choose one.
I think everyone is way to wrapped up in comps, stats, and measurables. Analysts love to compare players because it's an easy way to visualize the potential outcome. However, every player is an individual that has unique background and experience that contribute to what they've become prior to the draft. For someone like Shep who only did one year of college basketball the evaluation should also look at his High School years, as well as his upbringing and character. Here's a few tidbits from the UK website... https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/player/sheppard-reed/ HIGH SCHOOL Rated as high as No. 22 overall by ESPN … McDonald’s All-American … Mr. Kentucky Basketball in 2023 … Helped Team Ohio to win Junior International Championship in Italy and earned MVP honors after scoring 26 points in the title game … Averaged 22.5 points, 8.5 assists and 8.4 rebounds per game … Finished high school career with 3,727 career points … Led North Laurel to the state Sweet 16, averaging 25.2 points, 7.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 4.4 steals per game as a junior… 2022 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year. PERSONAL Born June 24 in London, Kentucky … Parents are Jeff and Stacey Sheppard … Has a sister, Madison … Parents both played college basketball at Kentucky … His father was the MVP of the 1998 Final Four and won two national championships … Lists his most memorable moment as a basketball player as winning a high school regional … Honor Roll student … His most prized possession is his dog … Chose No. 15 because it’s the number his father wore at Kentucky … Favorite food is steak … Favorite movie is Hoosiers … Pregame superstition is taking a nap … Dunked for the first time in eighth grade … Lists Chris Paul as his favorite player and Devin Booker as his favorite Wildcat … Chose Kentucky over Indiana and Louisville. Here's some add'l HS info from his Wiki page... Sheppard grew up in London, Kentucky and attended North Laurel High School.[1] He became North Laurel's starting shooting guard as a freshman and averaged 20.6 points per game.[2] Sheppard led the state of Kentucky in scoring during his sophomore season after averaging 30.1 points per game in 28 games played.[3] He was named the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 25.5 points, 7.6 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 4.4 steals per game.[4] Sheppard was selected to play in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game during his senior year.[5] He was named Kentucky Mr. Basketball after averaging 22.5 points, 8.5 assists and 8.4 rebounds per game.[6] Sheppard finished his high school career with 3,727 points, 1,214 assists and 1,050 rebounds.[7] Pretty impressive resume for a HS kid. He probably could have gone to other schools that would have featured him more, but he's from Kentucky and his mom/dad played for Kentucky. Kind of a dream come true. He was certainly a volume scorer in HS. To lead that state as a Soph in scoring is no small feat. He transitioned to PG his Jr. and Sr. years, so scoring went down, but assists went up. He won awards as Kentucky Player of the Year (2022), Mr. Basketball (2023) and was the MVP of a Jr. Int'l Championship Team in the finals. All that to say, the young man's proven himself across every level of competition he's been at. These are the kind of prospects you bet on being able to continually raise their game to the next level. When you look at his HS tape that picture perfect shot form is there, his ability to handle the ball and find open players is there, and his anticipation and skillset on defense is there. Foundationally, he's sound across the board, and if he continues to work hard he'll get better and improve across the board. Now let's talk about character. My company did some work for one of the Service Academy Basketball Head Coaches. The Coach said I have a stack of data this high (motioned about 2 feet) on how a kid plays, but the only insight I get into him and his character are the dinner visits that usually include his mom and dad. Of course you only see their best behavior, but it remains a critical factor in evaluating athletes. How successful people are in life isn't always about their natural talents, in fact, I've seen many great athletes fail because everything but talent--work ethic/drive, lack of heart, self awareness, upbringing, and more. If we define "character" as the qualities of, standards upheld, and principles followed by a particular individual, I personally believe those factors have as much or more impact on someone's success as their sheer talent. With that premise in mind, let's look at Shep's background, upbringing, and the environment that has helped shape and form his character. His mother and father were both very competitive college basketball players (Dad 2-time Nat'l Champion). His older sister was also a competitive athlete and growing up I'm sure the backyard pickup games helped to brand a competitive spirit into young Reed's psyche. Basketball in KY is like football in TX, it's bred into our state and into a large swath of our people. I look at Reed Sheppard and recall reading Ender's Game for the first time (movie didn't come close btw) and see some similarities in the grooming of a difference maker. What better place to start and hone the training and conditioning that develop the mind and instincts for an elite basketball player then KY? By all appearances Reed has a nurturing and supportive family that happen to instilled in him the critical traits needed to build the impeccable character needed to handle setbacks, adversity, and success. I don't know how good Reed Sheppard can become, but I can evaluate his play, talent, measurables, achievements, background, and character. There are some good players in this draft (despite what the skeptics say), but Sheppard is the one that seems most likely to succeed when you add up all of the factors. Apologize for the long tangent, but wanted to try and stimulate a different narrative. @Shark44
Definitely understand.. we also don’t know how good our guys can be at breaking down defenses when’s there’s no spacing. I have some concerns with Sheppard, as well as the other prospects
I'll donate $20 if the Rockets draft Reed or any other pg at #3. Unless they're trading FVV, $60 - $70 million in salary would go to just pgs next season. At least $10 million to a rookie who may not play. It makes more sense to trade back if a guard is their target. Look how long it took Cam to crack the rotation. I doubt any guard or forward in this draft class will dominate the way Cam did when he started getting minutes. He'll need more minutes next season. Amen is a pg (Udoka said it himself) with Kobe-like work ethic. People are still sleeping on him. If they draft anyone it needs to be a versatile big for insurance in case Jeff Green (older) and Tari (foot) goes down. I can only see Rockets drafting Reed if FVV is gone, and if he's as good as most here believe him to be then he should fit right in. People are comparing him to Curry when he needs to just be as good or better than FVV. If FVV can get his shot off then Reed can.
I was low key positive on Alperen and it served me and my ways right so I am staying low key. That fan fare stuff is not my cup of tea. This goes beyond proving points and gathering likes..... May the best PG prospect win.
