4 Quotes from media day that showcased Reed Sheppard's potential

Every team wants to land on a draft day steal. The Houston Rockets did it for three consecutive summers.

In 2021, they grabbed Alperen Sengun at 16. In 2022, Tari Eason fell into their laps at 17th. Last year, nobody could believe they landed Cam Whitmore with the 20th overall selection.

In some respects, landing a steal in the lottery is even harder. Nobody is overlooking a top-5 pick. Yet, there's a lot of optimism that Reed Sheppard will be the steal of the draft at third overall. Some hope he'll be the best player in his class.

It seems that the Rockets aren't short on optimism when it comes to this young man.

Rockets seem high on Sheppard

"It feels like he's already been here before, the level of professionalism is nice to see"

-Tari Eason on Reed Sheppard

Those are encouraging words about a rookie who's aiming to make a year-one impact. As a team with clear playoff aspirations, the Rockets will need Sheppard to look like he's been here before. If he does, he could carve out a large role for himself as the best shooter on this team.

That said, don't mistake Sheppard for a shooting specialist.

Rockets see playmaker in Sheppard

"He's really smart, you don't see that coming out of college"

-Jabari Smith Jr. on Reed Sheppard

Sheppard's playmaking ability was a focal subject during media day. Aaron Holiday touched on his passing acumen. That same strength has garnered Sheppard comparisons to one of his teammates.

Fred VanVleet says those comparisons are unwarranted.

"I wasn't that good at 19"

-Fred VanVleet on Reed Sheppard

VanVleet is correct. He was undrafted entering the league - something he acknowledged on media day himself - whereas Sheppard is a lottery pick. Still, Sheppard could learn a lot from the crafty veteran. VanVleet plays with poise and toughness that has helped him overcome his diminutive size.

These are all encouraging words. Still, there's no substitute for hearing from the man himself. Sheppard shared a life philosophy that he picked up from his parents on media day.

Sheppard was built to be a Rocket

"Don't be soft. If you get knocked down, get back up"

-Reed Sheppard

Those are wise words. They happen to encapsulate the type of philosophy that Ime Udoka wants his Rockets to have.

Something tells us he'll be part of this group for a long time.