NBA draft 2020: The Report Card

2024 NBA Draft Grades: Houston Rockets Get An 'A' With Reed Sheppard At No. 3

Team Needs: A Star Upgrade, Shooting, Point guard depth

The Houston Rockets made some big moves last summer to take a step forward after hiring Ime Udoka as their head coach. The Rockets used their cap space to sign Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, bringing in two defensive-minded veterans to help guide their young core.

That effort worked to push Houston out of the NBA's cellar, but didn't quite close the gap on the playoff teams out West, as they finished 11th, one spot out of the Play-In, at 41-41. Now, the Rockets are looking to take that next step into playoff contention, and have some decisions to make regarding their bevy of young talent, and which players they view as cornerstones of a contender. Houston has a handful of needs, but what they have to determine is which of those need to be acquired and what can be taken care of by internal development.

They also found themselves near the top of the 2024 Draft thanks to the Brooklyn Nets, landing at No. 3 in the lottery, giving them a number of options come Draft night. They could look to add some more young talent to their roster, or look to trade the pick in their quest to bolster their roster for a run next year, depending on how the first two picks shook out. Ultimately, they stuck at 3 and took the best shooter in the Draft in Reed Sheppard out of Kentucky.

Reed Sheppard (No. 3 Overall), A: This is a very, very fun fit that also checks the "best available" box. While the Rockets do have Fred VanVleet, Sheppard can play both guard spots and, most importantly, provide dead-eye shooting. His statistical translations are off the charts and, long-term, he pairs quite well with Amen Thompson.

NBA Rumors: Grizzlies' Marcus Smart Linked To Rockets In Possible Draft Trade-Down

The Houston Rockets are believed to maintain an interest in Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart as part of a move down the 2024 NBA draft board, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko.

Iko reported Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams was also floated by one Western Conference executive as a theoretical target for the Rockets, who have the third overall pick.

The Rockets are coming off a 41-41 season. The hiring of head coach Ime Udoka and the signings of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks had the intended effect of quickly moving the franchise forward following three listless years.

Now, Houston is looking to take another step forward.

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported on June 15 the team is "open to moving the No. 3 overall pick for a player who can help the franchise win now and elevate to a playoff team and sustainable success as a playoff team going forward."

Appearing on Get Up on Wednesday morning, ESPN's Brian Windhorst said the Rockets could aim as high as Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant.

Smart would obviously be a much less impactful addition, albeit one who would carry a much lower cost as well.

Iko reported on June 20 both Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone are "fans" of the 30-year-old guard, who played under Udoka for a season with the Boston Celtics.

Considering Houston already has Brooks, one could question the sense in adding another veteran who's more of a defensive specialist and struggles to space the floor. Houston ranked 23rd in three-point percentage (35.2), so Smart, a career 32.3 percent three-point shooter, won't help much in that regard.

But the 6'3" guard would certainly add depth to the backcourt and provide plenty of perimeter defense when Fred VanVleet isn't on the floor.

Based on the reporting, Houston is casting a wide net in prospective trades, so the speculation surrounding Smart could come to nothing.

Reed Sheppard Has Rockets Fans Hyped During NBA Draft Amid Kevin Durant Trade Rumors

The Rockets selected Sheppard with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, adding him to a core that includes Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr, Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet.

Fans took to social media to praise Houston on the selection and hoping he can potentially team up with Kevin Durant in the near future.

Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 33 games for Kentucky in 2023-24. This production came despite him making just five starts for the Wildcats, which shows how he can make an impact off of the bench.

That is the type of player Houston can use as the team is not too far off from contending. It went 41-41 in 2023-24 and finished 11th in the Western Conference. While this extended its playoff drought to four seasons, it was a 19-win improvement from 2022-23 and presents some hope for the future.

With Houston having links to Durant and possessing rights to future Phoenix draft picks, Sheppard could see himself playing alongside some superstar talent as he looks to carve out a role with the Rockets.

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