In his NBA G-League debut, Reed Sheppard shows why he belongs in the NBA.
Reed Sheppard wasted no time making an impression in his NBA G-League debut. Assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers on Monday by the Houston Rockets, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft responded with a sensational 49-point performance, proving he might not be staying in the G-League for long.
Sheppard’s stat line was nothing short of dominant: 49 points on 17/33 shooting from the field, including 8-of-19 from beyond the arc. He also had six assists, five rebounds, and three steals, showcasing his all-around game and reminding everyone why he was such a highly-touted prospect coming out of Kentucky.
The 20-year-old guard’s incredible outing comes after a rocky start to his NBA career, where limited minutes and inconsistent opportunities hindered his development. With a performance like this, it’s clear Sheppard has the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level when given the opportunity to get called back with the Rockets.
The Vipers leaned heavily on Sheppard’s scoring ability, and he delivered in every way imaginable, carrying the team on his back and igniting hope for his eventual return to the Rockets. His three-level scoring and confidence were on full display, leaving little doubt about his readiness to contribute at the NBA level.
If Sheppard continues performing like this, his G-League stint will likely be short-lived. Rockets fans should expect to see him back in Houston sooner rather than later.
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