Earlier this week, ESPN analyst Tim Legler served as television analyst for an NBA summer-league game between the Rockets and Wizards. In that game, rookie guard Reed Sheppard was a clear standout as Houston routed Washington in an emphatic victory.
A few days later, Legler reflected on that experience from Las Vegas as part of his latest episode of The ALL NBA Podcast.
Regarding Sheppard, the No. 3 overall draft pick of the 2024 first round, Legler said (hat tip Chris Gorman, X):
I got to call a game of his, and I got to really see him up close.
He’s the real deal, man. They got themselves a player. He is a big-time player, and he’s gonna be a big-time starting point guard in the league for a long time, because can do it every which way.
He can make plays off the dribble for other people. He has got a nice float game. Deep range. He shot a ridiculous percentage in college on NBA-distance 3s, over 50%. He is strong, he’s good defensively. Laterally, his footwork, his active hands…
This guy has got the whole package. He’s quick, he’s athletic, he’s smart, he’s tough. He makes plays with his passing, and every kind of shot imaginable on the court. I was very, very impressed with Reed Sheppard, and I think he’s going to have a great career.
Tim Legler[@LegsESPN] goes OFF with excitement about Reed Sheppard
🎯🎯🎯
🚀🚀🚀
🔥🔥🔥#Rockets #Liftoff🚀 pic.twitter.com/v6z0HAZiPu— Chris Gorman (@GormanChristoph) July 20, 2024
Extended audio clips of Legler’s podcast comments on Sheppard are available below. A former player himself, Legler won the NBA’s annual 3-point contest at its 1996 All-Star weekend.
As for Sheppard, in four games from Las Vegas, he’s averaging 20.0 points (50.0% FG), 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals — though he is averaging a team-high 4.8 turnovers, as well. He’ll finish up summer-league play Sunday when Houston faces Portland.
"He's[Reed Sheppard] the REAL DEAL man. They got themselves a player, he is a big time player, he's gonna be a big time starting point guard in the league for a long time…."
-Tim Legler[@LegsESPN]🎯🎯🎯#Rockets pic.twitter.com/4LwaUNJ8Qf
— Chris Gorman (@GormanChristoph) July 20, 2024
Reed a silent smirky assassin!!!
Per Tim Legler[@LegsESPN]#Rockets pic.twitter.com/bSkyYKOSY0— Chris Gorman (@GormanChristoph) July 20, 2024
