Kentucky rookies Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham turn heads with early NBA impressions

The NBA preseason has just begun, and we are barely more than a couple of games in, with many more coming this week. Already, Rob Dillingham has impressed in his Minnesota Timberwolves preseason debut. The Houston Rockets, who have yet to play a preseason game, are wowed by rookie Reed Sheppard. These two former Kentucky Wildcat stars were drafted by their respective teams in the 2024 NBA draft and are ready to make some noise in the NBA.

Sheppard was drafted third overall by the Houston Rockets, and he's showing why in practice this week. In a 43-second clip that the social media account posted, he made a jump shot, got a steal, recorded an assist, and successfully blocked a shot. It was an impressive display in the Rockets scrimmage for the rookie.

The other star rookie out of Kentucky, Rob Dillingham, was drafted eighth overall by the San Antonio Spurs but was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves had their first preseason game yesterday, October 4th. Rob Dillingham was one of the most impressive performers in the game. He played for over 24 minutes and had 21 points with four assists. He was 50% behind the arch on 3/6 shooting from deep.

It wasn't just the offensive production from Dillingham that was impressive in his preseason debut. But he also showed lockdown defense, and one of the times this stood out was when he shut down Bronny James to force an airball.

While the preseason isn't always the best indicator of how an NBA rookie will perform, as there are a lot of stars getting fewer minutes, managing injuries, or working on contracts. It is fun to continue to see rookies from Kentucky ball out. It's another reminder that Kentucky continues to turn out impressive NBA talent year after year. They continue to be the school with the most NBA players and this year looks to be no different as there are nearly 30 either established on an NBA roster or working to be on one this preseason.