The first few minutes of Reed Sheppard‘s Summer League debut weren’t productive, but he began to recognize opportunities while watching the final four minutes of the first quarter from the bench, writes Kelly Iko of The Athletic. When he returned to action, Sheppard displayed the qualities that convinced the Rockets to select him with the No. 3 pick in the draft — an elite jump shot, sharp defensive instincts, and a high I.Q. for the game.
“He just stayed the course,” said Garrett Jackson, Houston’s Summer League coach. “He was just steady. Let the game come to him, making the right reads. Any time we could get him playing pick-and-roll in space, especially high on the court, he was able to make reads, attack bigs, pull up and shoot.”
Sheppard began exploiting gaps in the Lakers’ defense, especially in the third quarter when he hit 5-of-7 shots and scored 12 points. He finished the game with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds, three blocks and a steal, and Iko points out that he was able to create separation off the dribble and make passes to set up teammates for open shots.
“Those types of instincts kind of remind me of (Rockets point guard) Fred (VanVleet),” Jackson said. “Fred’s not the tallest guy, but he’s very smart. Defensively, he’s got quick hands and knows how to jump lanes. Reed is very similar.”
There’s more on the Rockets:
- After a strong rookie season, it wasn’t certain that Cam Whitmore would return to the Summer League, but the league’s reigning MVP couldn’t resist the allure of playing basketball in Las Vegas, according to Jonathan Feigen of The Houston Chronicle. It hasn’t been decided how many games the team will permit Whitmore to play, so the second-year wing wants to set an example for his teammates in any way he can. “I think I had the same swagger and confidence coming into Summer League last year,” Whitmore said. “I would say a little higher chip on the shoulder because of the draft (last summer after his surprising fall to the 20th pick). This year, I’m going to keep that same intensity, keep that same mentality, just try to spread it around the other guys to win the championship.”
- AJ Griffin is enjoying a fresh start with Houston after his career stagnated in Atlanta, Feigen adds in a separate story. The Rockets, who were interested in drafting Griffin two years ago, were able to acquire him from the Hawks last month. “I got the mindset to be able to have a chip on my shoulder,” Griffin said. “It motivates you to prove yourself in this league. New city, new teammates and everything. I’m just having fun out there, get used to the guys here. It’s fun playing together, get the feel for everyone’s games.”
- In case you missed it, the Rockets have been placed in West Group A along with the Timberwolves, Clippers, Kings and Trail Blazers for this year’s Emirates NBA Cup.
Reed blew by Bronny a couple of times. So much for “elite D” being his ticket to the last spot on the bench. Bronny is talking like the G league might not be so bad.
I’m excited to see Sheppard’s development this year.
He’s playing bad in summer league… I mean most of the guys in these summer tournaments are the same he’ll face in G league. Makes me think he doesnt even belong in the G league
Yeah Sheppard did get by him a couple times but it’s bound to happen when you’re picking guys up for 90 feet. Bronny has been playing decent defense, just hasn’t been shooting worth the shi…
Bronny wasn’t picking him up 90 ft, he picked up after half court around the logo, because Shep Curry was bustin from there! And he was constantly getting blown by
Reed is very much like Jamal Murray and I said that before the draft.
He’s a SG in a PG body, not the biggest playmaker but can do bits, is a solid shooter and scorer and holds his own on defence.
He’s ideal as an off ball guard that is your third option. The Rockets with Sengun make sense but long term I think Amen Thompson is a better fit in the backcourt with Reed because he’s going to be an elite defender with a really high IQ and just needs to develop a average jumper.
Jalen is a high volume scorer and you should sell him on him.
I’m not sure where this narrative that he’s not a good playmaker came from. He’s a great passer, and as you’ve already seen in summer league does a great job making the right read and pass. The people that cover basketball, who’s opinions I respect, said that he was one of the best passers/playmakers in college basketball last year. The biggest thing will be defensively because he’s not big, but I think he’s already shown that even when outsized, his quick hands, feet, and anticipation have helped him hold his own so far. I’m very happy with how he’s played in his first 2 games.