Houston Rockets' 2024 NBA Draft Pick Reed Sheppard: A Promising Start

 Houston Rockets' 2024 NBA Draft Pick Reed Sheppard: A Promising Start

The Houston Rockets made waves in the 2024 NBA Draft by selecting Reed Sheppard with the third overall pick. Their opportunity to do so was unexpected, given that the Brooklyn Nets were not initially supposed to send them such a high draft pick. However, the Rockets defied the odds and landed in a position to make a significant choice. So far, it appears that they made the right one.

Reed Sheppard: A Strong Start to His NBA Career

Reed Sheppard has already begun to justify the Rockets' decision to draft him. Many analysts, including CBS Sports' Kyle Boone, believe Sheppard should have been taken even higher in the draft. Boone went as far as to say that Sheppard should have been the first overall pick if the draft were to be redone. While it's still early to make definitive judgments about the 2024 NBA Draft class, the consensus is that Sheppard is on the right track.

Boone's "way-too-early" redraft placed Sheppard at the top, with the Washington Wizards selecting Zaccharie Risacher second and the Rockets ending up with Donovan Clingan at third. However, as Boone himself acknowledged, it's premature to engage in such speculation. The true value of these players will only become apparent over time.

That said, Rockets fans have every reason to be excited about Sheppard's potential. He has shown flashes of brilliance on the court, displaying a mix of skill, basketball IQ, and determination that could make him a future star. While it's impossible to predict where Sheppard will land in redrafts years down the road, his early performances suggest that he could be one of the best players to emerge from the 2024 class.

Jalen Green: A Pivotal Season Ahead

While Reed Sheppard's future with the Rockets looks bright, the same cannot be said with certainty for Jalen Green, another key player on the team. Green, who was selected by the Rockets with the second overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has had an up-and-down career so far. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued his development.

Recently, HoopsHype released its NBA positional rankings, placing Green as the ninth-best off-guard in the league. This ranking has sparked some debate among fans and analysts. For example, some might argue that Green deserves to be ranked higher than Austin Reaves, who was placed seventh. Reaves has benefited from playing alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while Green has often had to shoulder a heavier offensive burden.

However, it's essential to recognize that HoopsHype's rankings are based on overall impact, not just the situation. In this context, Reaves has been more consistent and impactful than Green, which justifies his higher ranking. It would be challenging to place Green ahead of established players like Zach LaVine (6th) or Desmond Bane (5th) without being intellectually dishonest.

For Jalen Green, the 2024-2025 season will be crucial. He needs to demonstrate that he can be a more consistent contributor if he hopes to rise in the rankings and solidify his place among the league's top off-guards. Green has the potential to be a star, but he must prove that he can deliver on that promise regularly.

The Future of the Rockets

As the Rockets move forward, they have a blend of young talent and seasoned veterans that could set the stage for a successful future. Reed Sheppard's early success is a promising sign, and if Jalen Green can find consistency, the Rockets could have a formidable backcourt for years to come.

It's important to remember that the journey for both players is just beginning. The 2024 NBA Draft will be evaluated and re-evaluated many times in the coming years, but for now, the Rockets can be optimistic about their selections. Reed Sheppard appears to be a player who could become a cornerstone of the franchise, while Jalen Green still has the potential to reach the heights expected of him.

In conclusion, the Houston Rockets may have struck gold in the 2024 NBA Draft with Reed Sheppard. While it's too early to make definitive judgments, the early returns are encouraging. Meanwhile, Jalen Green faces a pivotal season, and his performance will be closely watched. Together, these two players could be the key to the Rockets' future success.