Ime Udoka highlights the impressive qualities of the No. 3 draft pick in the NBA Summer League
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Reed Sheppard’s impressive performance in the NBA 2K25 Summer League has set the stage for a promising rookie season
With his shooting power, composure and leadership, he has what it takes to make a big impact on the Houston Rockets.
Coach Ime Udoka’s praise and trust in Sheppard further underscores his potential to become an outstanding player in the NBA.
As the new season begins, all eyes will be on Sheppard to see if he can continue his upward trend and cement his place among the league’s rising stars.
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Reed Sheppard’s dominance in the NBA 2K25 Summer League
Houston Rockets rookie guard Reed Sheppard caused a stir during the NBA 2K25 Summer League in Las Vegas.
Sheppard was selected number 3 in this year’s draft and his performance was nothing short of impressive. He caught the attention of Rockets coach Ime Udoka.
Udoka had high praise for Sheppard, emphasizing the rookie’s versatile game and natural leadership qualities.
An outstanding college career
Before Sheppard entered the NBA, he was highly regarded for his excellent shooting skills.
During his first season in Kentucky, He averaged 12.5 points per game, shooting an impressive 53.6% from the field, 52.1% from beyond the three-point line and 83.1% from the free throw line..
These highly efficient shooting percentages underscored his potential as a top shooter, despite concerns about his relatively small stature. at 1.88 m.
Overcoming size problems
Size has often been a point of contention for many promising players moving from college to the NBA. With Sheppard, who stands 6-foot-2, there were doubts about whether he could compete against bigger, more athletic opponents.
However, his performance in the Summer League silenced many of his critics.
Sheppard has emerged as Houston’s go-to scoring option and has demonstrated the ability to make a significant impact in both directions.
Praise from coach Ime Udoka
Ime Udoka’s admiration for Sheppard’s game goes beyond his ability to score. When asked what impresses him most about the freshman, Udoka cited Sheppard’s composure, basketball IQ and competitiveness.
“His composure, IQ, the things we talked about, his shooting ability, but more than that, his competitiveness, his toughness, all the intangibles he brings,” Udoka said.
“We know what he does really well, but let’s see what a versatile player he is. He is a natural leader and fits perfectly into the team.”
One of the most notable aspects of Sheppard’s game, according to Udoka, is his ability to consistently make the right plays, a trait that is especially valuable in young players who often struggle with decision-making at the professional level.
Udoka emphasized Sheppard’s simplicity and effectiveness on the court, noting, “He continues to make the right plays, which is hard to teach young players, and always keeps it simple.”
Efficiency and potential for improvement
Sheppard’s transition from college to Summer League was remarkably smooth, and his accuracy was particularly notable.
Although he only has a 27.8% hit rate from distance on 4.5 attempts per game, he maintains an overall hit rate of 50.0%.
This suggests that Sheppard’s scoring potential could increase significantly if he can adapt his three-point shooting to match the efficiency of his college studies.
Summer league as a springboard
The Summer League is often seen as a proving ground for rookies and young players looking to make a name for themselves.
For Sheppard, it was an opportunity to showcase his skills and prove that he belongs in the highest basketball league.
His performances so far not only justify his high selection in the draft, but also raise expectations for his performance in the coming season.
Houston’s investment
- The Rockets’ decision, Sheppard in third place reflects their belief in his potentialWith Udoka’s guidance and the support of his teammates, Sheppard finds himself in an environment where he can thrive and grow.
- Houston’s investment in young talent like Sheppard is a sign of their long-term vision to build a competitive team.
- Sheppard’s smooth transition and immediate impact have drawn comparisons to other successful rookie guards in recent NBA history.
- Players like Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young were also questioned because of their size but developed into key contributors for their teams. If Sheppard goes through a similar development, he could become a cornerstone for the Rockets.
- Although the Summer League is just the beginning, it provides newcomers like Sheppard with valuable experience and confidence.
- The real test will come when the regular season begins and Sheppard faces the rigors of NBA competition, but his performances so far suggest he is well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
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