2024 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Hawks court chaos, Spurs speed up rebuild, Lakers surprise
By Cal Durrett
3) Houston Rockets-Reed Sheppard
Unlike many of the teams picking in the top 10 in this draft, the Houston Rockets actually have a chance to make the playoffs next season. That makes the decision of who to take third overall an especially big one. Risacher and Sarr seem likely to be picked first and second overall, making the decision for the Rockets a bit easier, with Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard arguably being the next best player available.
Unlike those players, Sheppard doesn't project to be a star but instead just a high-level role player who could help turn the Rockets into a good team. At 6'3 and with impressive athleticism, he can play and possibly defend either guard spot.
Offensively, he is among the best shooters in the draft, hitting 52.1% of his threes this past college season and his playmaking could be invaluable to the Rockets. He would likely step in and serve as a sixth man for Houston next season who can play alongside Fred VanVleet or Jalen Green and help them possibly make the playoffs for the first time since James Harden was traded. Therefore, the Rockets should take Sheppard, if available.