by LARRY VAUGHT
Sheppard, a guard, has been much better this season after having his name tossed around in a lot of trade scenarios during the offseason. He’s started numerous games recently and was a big part of 12 wins in a 14-game span. He’s been one of the leading 3-point shooters in the league as he was hitting 45 percent while averaging 14.3 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
“I was one of the people who loved what he did in college,” Sporting News columnist Mike DeCourcy said. “I was still surprised that he was taken as high as he was (in the draft) but I knew he would be a very capable player at the NBA level. Sometimes you get defined by what you are paid or how high you were selected. It’s more this is how you are supposed to be if you are selected this high.”
DeCourcy emphasized he never doubted Sheppard’s ability to play in the NBA and is glad he’s proving himself in a big way this season.
“First of all, he is an extraordinary shooter. He has the ability to play both (guard) positions. He’s got the size to play both positions,” DeCourcy said. “I think at the very least, if he doesn’t become an exceptional lockdown defender, he’s always going to be disruptive. He reads the game so well.”
DeCourcy said if Sheppard had been picked around 20th in the draft and was a rotation player, everyone would be happy with his production.
“But if you are the number two player taken, you are expected to be a star. When that doesn’t happen, sometimes it can have a negative effect on your growth and that’s why I am glad to see that is not happening in Houston (to Sheppard),” DeCourcy said.
