Former Kentucky basketball guard making case for 'draft's best prospect'

NBA Summer League action is wrapping up on Monday night and that means the next time we'll see former Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, it'll be during preseason play.

Despite having to wait a few months until he steps on the floor again, his play over the last week makes the wait worth it.

Sheppard, the third overall selection in June's NBA Draft, was one of the biggest stories of summer league action. The former Kentucky guard averaged 20 points per game in four games for the Rockets, in addition to 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and shooting 50 percent from the field.

While he came into this summer known for his shooting ability, that wasn't what was on display most nights. He shot just below 30 percent from three and failed to connect on a three in each of his final two games.

But, his playmaking ability and scoring ability off the dribble were two sides of his game that was on full display all four games.

And that caught the attention of NBA executives, NBA analyst and even some NBA All-Stars throughout the week.

That included ESPN listing Sheppard as someone making a case for the 'draft's best prospect'.

"Sheppard, the No. 3 pick, topped my stats-based projections for this year's draft and showed exactly why during his first two games," ESPN writer Kevin Pelton said. " ... Sheppard's ability to get where he wants with the ball and create separation with a hard crossover has stood out.

"If Sheppard's play in Vegas so far is any indication, however, he'll force his way into regular playing time as a rookie."

Sheppard scored 20+ points seven times during his lone season in Lexington and hit that number in three of his four summer league games.

"Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence," One NBA executive told ESPN insider Jonathan Givony and Ohm Youngmisuk. "These guys are different players now than they were in March. Their bodies have gotten better. They are more explosive. And they've all been working on their game like crazy. This is going to be a fun group to follow."

Entering Summer League play, Sheppard was given the fifth highest odds to win Rookie of the Year. After four games, those odds are likely to keep improving.