Ranking top 5 draft prospects for Portland Trail Blazers' pick No. 7
By Reese Kunz
2. Reed Sheppard, Guard, Kentucky
The eye test during his time at Kentucky and the advanced analytics suggest that Reed Sheppard, if available at No. 7, is one of the best draft prospects. As a Freshman, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on efficient 54/52/83 shooting splits despite playing less than 30 minutes a game and mostly coming off the bench.
On one hand, Sheppard doesn’t fit into the Blazers’ roster as another undersized guard at 6-foot-3. However, his recorded 42-inch vertical (tied for best at the NBA combine) and the fact that he's one of the best shooters in the draft suggests that Sheppard can still be productive playing off-ball in the NBA, which he often played at Kentucky.
With such an unknown draft class, Sheppard has one of the highest floors among all prospects. At worst, you know he will still have a long NBA career due to his elite shooting, sound playmaking, and pesky defense. Sheppard can play off-ball alongside Scoot Henderson and run the point when he is on the bench.
Sheppard’s shooting is exactly what the Blazers need to space the floor to optimize Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe's athleticism. And, given the trade rumors surrounding Malcolm Brogdon and Anfernee Simons, the Blazers may need a guard more than some currently think.