2024 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Spurs attack needs, Hornets make shock selection

3. Houston Rockets (via Nets) grab Reed Sheppard

This feels like the first inflection point in this draft. The Rockets are loaded with young talent and may decide to trade this pick for win-now help. Houston wants to return to the playoffs in 2025, but it will be difficult to pass up the chance to add another marquee prospect to their intriguing core.

Nobody expected Sheppard to be a high lottery pick coming into his lone season at Kentucky. The 6’3 guard came off the bench for the majority of the season and was not a top-30 recruit coming out of high school. None of it matters because Sheppard played so well it was impossible to ignore.

He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 28.9 minutes per game while shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 52.1 percent on his 3-point attempts. None of those are misprints. The 19-year-old rarely missed at Kentucky and made a massive impact on both ends of the floor.

The Rockets need a connector capable of creating open looks, playing stout perimeter defense, and knocking down shots. Reed Sheppard checks all of those boxes and could blossom further playing under Ime Udoka. Consider this selection still up for grabs, but do not be surprised to see the 6’3 guard come off the board if the Rockets stand pat.