Reed Sheppard absolutely cooks in his NBA Summer League debut

Reed Sheppard put on the best show on the entire Las Vegas Strip on Friday in his NBA Summer League debut. Big Blue Nation’s favorite rookie came out of the gate strong, drilling the first shot of his professional career, a deep 3 from the top of the break in the first few minutes of the game.

He was just getting started.

The pride of London, Kentucky hit his first three NBA 3-pointers, but the play that nearly tore the building down was a crossover hesi-move in the third quarter that put none other than former Tennessee Vol, Dalton Knecht, on ice skates, leading to a nothing-but-net floater. The players on the bench, rightfully, held each other back.

Reed Sheppard ladies and gentlemen 😮‍💨🍿@reed_sheppard pic.twitter.com/xUCZlvkKMF

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 13, 2024

As if making his college foe look like a newborn giraffe wasn’t enough, Sheppard’s next feat was a death-defying shot from the midcourt logo, to which he, of course, drained.

Reed Sheppard drills his 4th triple from DEEP 🔥

He's up to 12 PTS in the 3Q… 19 PTS in the game!

HOU-LAL | Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/9TAqI7YJeR

— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2024

Sheppard put on his best Caitlin Clark impersonation, as his next heat check shot came from even further away, but after that one clanked off the rim, he went back to dominating the game like a mortal human.

Sheppard finished the game with 23 points, five assists, four rebounds, and three blocks in 30 minutes of action. For what it’s worth, Bronny James guarded him most of the game.

Jeff and Stacey Sheppard got their obligatory screen time

Houston Rocket fans might not be used to it like Kentucky fans are, but it wouldn’t be a game involving Reed Sheppard unless Jeff and Stacey didn’t feature a healthy dose of some air time. ESPN interviewed the parents of the 15th region stud, and Jeff was excited to build up his son while also injecting some humility:

“From the time the college season has been over until today, everyone who has had his hands on him has really done a great job teaching him new nuances about this game at this level. He’s catching on a little bit; he’s got a long way to go, but we are thankful and excited.”

Jeff Sheppard | ESPN

Next, the sideline reporter asked Stacey the great philosophical question, “Which is more rewarding, watching your son play for Kentucky or go No. 3 in the NBA draft.” Mrs. Sheppard, in all her Laurel County accent glory, gave a great response:

“It’s two very different things. Growing up in the state of Kentucky and being passionate about Kentucky basketball, that’s something we’ll always treasure, but that was just one part of Reed’s goal. Getting to the NBA and playing, and being a top-3 pick, it’s unbelievable, and we’re just so thankful.”

Stacey Sheppard | ESPN

Not only did he lead all scores with 23, Sheppard also showed off his defensive prowess, blocking three shots and reminding everyone he has the second-most blocks in Kentucky history amongst guards.

After the game, Sheppard summed up the experience as humbly as you might think. After commenting on this teammates, he simply said of his NBA Summer League debut, “It was fun.” I’d say so, Reed. I’d say so.

Sheppard and the Houston Rockets will be back in action on Sunday at 6:00 pm on ESPN2 against the Washington Wizards and the No. 2 overall pick (and Olivier’s brother), Alex Sarr.