In a recent ESPN Mock Draft, the Houston Rockets were able to continue to improve thanks to a draft pick from the Brooklyn Nets.

The Houston Rockets took a big step forward last season, as they were able to finish the season with a 41-41 record. So far, the rebuild for the Rockets has been going very well and they are going to be in a position to jump into the playoff conversation next season.

Thanks to a previous trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Rockets were able to get the third overall pick in the NBA Lottery. For a team that finished .500, this is a great asset for them to be able to use. With the third pick in ESPN’s mock draft, they had the Rockets getting some shooting help by selecting Reed Sherpard from Kentucky. Here’s what they had to say about the pick.

The Rockets turned the page on their rebuild by hiring coach Ime Udoka and making a splash in free agency last summer. Houston could look at plug-and-play options with this pick considering the youthful roster construction. Shooting will likely be a priority this summer, and the dynamic shot-making versatility of Sheppard — who made over 50% of his 3s this season — could be attractive, along with his feel for the game and defensive instincts. Expect Donovan Clingan to get a look here as well if the front office thinks he can play heavy minutes alongside Alperen Sengun in a multi-big-men lineup. — Jonathan Givony

While the 2023-24 season might have been a disappointment for Kentucky, they have multiple players who are likely going to be taken in the top 10 of the NBA Draft. One of those players is Shepard.

Shepard is arguably the best shooter in the draft, as he shot over 52 percent in his freshman season at Kentucky from deep. Those are some outstanding numbers for any player, and shooting the ball from beyond the arc is a crucial part of the game nowadays.

In addition to Shepard, they also mention Donovan Clingan as a player to keep an eye on. Clingan’s stock rose during the NCAA Tournament, as he was the anchor in the middle for UConn.

Shooting the ball more efficiently might be more of a priority for the Rockets rather than adding another big, and if so, Shepard is a great prospect to choose.

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