Reed Sheppard 'the favorite' to be selected by this western conference team

We are just a few days away from the 2024 NBA Draft and with that comes the latest rumors around the league.

Like it has in year's past, Kentucky will again be represented by numerous players at the top of the draft. It's not a matter of if they'll go in the lottery, it's just a matter of where, and how high?

After a spectacular freshman season in Lexington, Reed Sheppard is the name generating the most buzz from a Kentucky perspective. Ever since he put his name in the draft and declared, he's been a name discussed as a top-10 pick, at a minimum.

Sheppard continues to be a name that is discussed at the top of the draft and while he likely won't go as the top overall pick, he will go in the top five. Recently, however, 'several' NBA teams have graded Sheppard as their best available player.

On Monday, ESPN Draft Insider Jonathan Givony released his most updated mock draft after some additional buzz over the weekend and he has Sheppard nearly locked in at one spot, assuming the Houston Rockets keep their pick.

"Should the Rockets stand pat, Sheppard has been the favorite here since draft lottery night," Givony wrote. "Houston's ownership group traveled to meet with him in Los Angeles fairly early in the process, and he visited the Rockets' facility to make his case as the best shooter in the draft."

The Rockets currently sit at No. 3 overall but are looking to 'win now' despite their youth. They have been rumored to be shopping around and looking to land a few big name players this offseason.

If they stay, however, they would be getting the best shooter in the draft to provide additional floor spacing on the wing for some of their slashing and ball-dominant guards.

"Sheppard is coming off a remarkable season, as he shot extremely well, both off the catch and off the dribble," Givony said about Sheppard. "He came up with a huge volume of steals and blocks in spite of his limited length and also posted efficient numbers in nearly every category in between. It will be fascinating to see just how effective Sheppard's unique blend of skill, feel and instincts translates to the NBA level."

Sheppard shot 52.1 percent from three last season, making 2.3 3s a game.

There's no questioning Sheppard's shooting ability or hard working personality. It now seems to be a matter of if the Rockets stay young, or if they try to improve their roster immediately with a proven veteran.