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The NBA Draft is notoriously difficult to make predictions about.
It must keep the league's general managers up at night. A wrong decision could have major repercussions. Yet, these decisions are exceedingly difficult to make.
Luckily, it seems like the Houston Rockets made a good choice in the 2024 draft. League executives just named No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard as the best pick in the class.
Houston Rockets rookie named best pick
Granted, it's a premature discussion.
Are we basing this on Summer League? Really? Astute draft observers knew that, for example, Alexandre Sarr of the Wizards was a raw talent. He's expected to take time to develop. Are we ruling him out as the right choice at No. 2 already?
Still, there's no denying the potential that Sheppard put on display. Seven executives voted for Sheppard as the best pick in his class. Donovan Clingan as the next leading vote-getter with 3 votes. The Rockets got a good one.
How good?
Houston Rockets rookie shows star potential
According to one Eastern Conference executive, Sheppard has a chance to be an All-Star.
"Sheppard is going to help Houston right away, and I think he has a chance to be an All-Star down the road"
-Anonymous high-ranking Eastern Conference executive
We're not going to argue. Sheppard's virtuoistic shooting was the main talking point about him coming into the draft. In Summer League, he showcased some ball-handling chops. If he's a point guard, instead of a primarily off-ball weapon, it changes the conversation about his future.
He'll have his work cut out for him if he wants to distinguish himself in Houston. The Rockets have accumulated a staggering amount of young talent over the last few years. Still, Sheppard's shooting ability is unique to this roster and could give him an edge.
Who could predict for sure?