Reed Sheppard’s arrival to the Houston Rockets was highly anticipated. After a standout season at Kentucky as a freshman despite only starting five games, Sheppard increased his draft stock for the club to select him at No. 3 overall in the current draft.

Different rookies have different comfort levels with their NBA debuts. Sheppard was lucky enough to celebrate his victory in front of his home fans at the Toyota Center in Houston. He played 16 minutes in a 108-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. In those minutes, he scored five points, two rebounds, three assists and one block and converted two of his five shot attempts.

Sheppard’s first career NBA goal was a made floater in the second quarter.

The Kentucky product didn’t take the league by storm in one game as his debut was mediocre. However, it took some time for him to adjust to the level of college basketball in Lexington. After keeping up with the pace of the game, he thrived in his sixth man role.

Expect Sheppard to adapt to the NBA similarly quickly. He will continue to play the guard role behind Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green, although his impact on the game will continue to reach new heights.

A sharpshooter who can score at all three levels, Sheppard will prove he can add to the team’s offense while making timely defensive plays.

Again, every NBA rookie adjusts to the league at his own pace, and it might take a few games for Sheppard to have a breakout game where his influence is clearly felt.

While late-game execution cost the Rockets the win, the play of Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun was extremely encouraging as both stars are expected to make a big jump this season.

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