He became the third overall pick in the NBA Draft and started his rookie season in impressive fashion.
Former Kentucky coach Tubby Smith led UK to the 1998 national championship when Reed’s father, Jeff, was the Final Four MVP. Sheppard’s mother, Stacey, also played basketball at UK at the same time.
Smith admits he “never dreamed” that Reed Sheppard would be so good, so quick. He came into the NBA season as the second betting favorite to be named rookie of the year
“He was the best player in the NBA summer league and one of the best players in college basketball last season,” Smith said.
Reed Sheppard left his mark at Kentucky even though then coach John Calipari brought him off the bench rather than starting him, a move Smith knows not everyone liked.
“Reed always played under control. He just never got out of control,” Smith said. “Only Reed and the Sheppard family could have accepted him not starting and playing the way he did. Not any other kid would have handled it so well.
“Most players, and parents, would have raised hell that he was not starting like some Kentucky fans were. But the Sheppards are just a special family and it certainly has worked out just fine for Reed.”
One of Sheppard’s current Houston teammates certainly agrees.
“I think he’s one of our better decision makers, passers, readers in the pick-and-rolls, and in setting the table in the offense,” Houston veteran Fred VanVleet said. “Obviously, he can space the floor. And for a rookie, he’s pretty far advanced in terms of just knowing the game and having a feel for it.”
