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The Houston Rockets acquire elite shooter Reed Sheppard from Kentucky with third overall pick
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    The Houston Rockets acquire elite shooter Reed Sheppard from Kentucky with third overall pick

    HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets selected Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick in the NBA draft Wednesday night, adding an elite long-range shooter to their young team.

    The guard, who spent one season at Kentucky, was the first American taken in this year’s draft after French players Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr were selected by Atlanta and Washington with the top two picks.

    Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals while appearing in 33 games for the Wildcats. He shot 52.1% from 3-point range and made 83.1% of his free throws. He was the only player in the nation last season to have at least 145 assists, 80 steals and make at least 75 3-pointers.

    Sheppard became the second player in school history to have at least 80 steals in a season despite starting just five games. It’s the 17th consecutive year that Kentucky has had at least one player selected in the NBA draft.

    At 6-foot-2 and 182 pounds, Sheppard is among the smallest players in this year’s draft but is also thought by many draft analysts to be the best shooter. He turned 20 on Monday.

    Sheppard is the latest high draft pick to join the rebuilding Rockets in recent years. They took Amen Thompson fourth last year after adding Jabari Smith Jr. with the third pick in 2022 and Jalen Green second in 2021.

    The Rockets missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season this year but made a significant jump in their first year under coach Ime Udoka after adding veterans Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet. Houston went 41-41 after winning just 17, 20 and 22 games in the previous three seasons.

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    The Houston Rockets made a bold move in the 2022 NBA Draft by selecting Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick. Sheppard, a highly touted shooting guard out of Kentucky, is known for his elite shooting ability and scoring prowess.

    Sheppard comes from a basketball family, as his father Jeff Sheppard was a standout player at the University of Kentucky and won two national championships with the Wildcats. Reed has been making a name for himself on the high school and AAU circuit, earning a reputation as one of the top shooters in his class.

    The Rockets were in need of a sharpshooter to complement their young core of players, and Sheppard fits the bill perfectly. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from beyond the arc will open up driving lanes for his teammates and create spacing on the court.

    In addition to his shooting prowess, Sheppard is also a solid defender and has shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. His basketball IQ and work ethic have impressed scouts and coaches alike, making him a valuable addition to any team.

    With Sheppard now in the fold, the Rockets have added another young talent to their roster as they continue to rebuild and develop their team for the future. Fans can expect to see Sheppard make an immediate impact on the court and become a key contributor for Houston in the years to come.

    Overall, the acquisition of Reed Sheppard is a promising move for the Rockets as they look to build a competitive team in the Western Conference. His shooting ability and all-around skill set make him a valuable asset for Houston, and fans can look forward to watching him grow and develop into a star player in the NBA.