Rockets' Reed Sheppard named to All-Summer League First Team

Are you excited about Reed Sheppard?

You should be. Presumably, you're a fan of the Houston Rockets. Everyone else is excited about Sheppard. What's wrong with you?

The league is happy to recognize his greatness. Sheppard was just named to the All-Summer League First Team.

It was a well-deserved distinction.

Houston Rockets rookie delivers in Summer League

Frankly, Sheppard's case is statistically unimpeachable.

Throughout Summer League, he averaged 20.0 points per game while shooting a clean 50.0% from the field. He also averaged 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and a remarkable 2.8 steals per game.

His performance wasn't perfect. Sheppard shot just 27.8% from three-point range on 4.5 attempts per game. Given that shooting was his calling card as a prospect, that's worth noting.

It's not worth worrying about. We're talking about a four-game sample size. The best shooters in the world will face slumps. The fact that Sheppard was able to impact the game despite his poor shooting is indicative of his potential.

How will he fare in the NBA?

Houston Rockets rookie is likely to take his lumps

Here's where we'll avoid an overreaction.

Sheppard was the Rockets' primary ball-handler throughout Summer League. He won't occupy the same role as a rookie. Often, the third-overall pick in the draft would assume that role in a regular season.

Sheppard isn't an ordinary third-overall pick. He's found himself in a unique position. This pick came by way of the Nets. Sheppard is heading to a .500 team that's looking to improve. His role with the main roster in 2024-25 will be more modest.

So, he'll need to improve on that 27.8% mark. Sheppard's playing time may be directly related to his floor spacing in 2024-25. If he can get more comfortable with NBA range, who knows?

Sheppard should, at least, make the All-Rookie First Team.