Can Sheppard create his own shot at the NBA level. Isnt that really the biggest question? That and can he finish at all in the paint.
2024 NBA Draft Mega Thread
- Thread starter Saint Cy of JFC
- Start date
I think that is the big question and the answer is probably not....but what are those chances versus the chances of another prospect doing the thing preventing them from being a star?
As far as finishing in the paint.....Shep shot 67% at the rim with only 8% of those being assisted. Maybe that's because he got so many pick 6's....but still...those are great numbers. Athleticism/size is a real concern for him, I can't deny that. But he is awfully good at most of the things that athleticism is supposed to help you with.
His athleticism isnt really a concern in the slightest for me. I think he is a plus athlete. It's more just size and his overall experience level/assertiveness of being a lead-ball handler.
I think those are fair concerns, just not as concerning as the concerns I have for others. I just see so many signs that would indicate he can handler more. I wouldn't feel as strongly if he was poor without Dilly or if all of his shots were assisted. Being a coach Cal guard also makes you wonder especially when DJ freaking Wagner got to be the starter.
How much more...goes back to the main question you presented. I could see him being a PG who is really good in PnR, but not as good at beating switches. Kinda like Conley. Being able to perform in switching situations (both sides of the ball) is probably his biggest weakness rn.
Using McDermott as a reference point he’s shot > 40% from 3PT range in 7/10 seasons.
I really don’t understand the Marshall comparison he shot 2.2 threes per game.
Marshall was a pure pure PG as well.
Sheppard is hard to compare because no one who successfully plays a similar style to him is as small as him.
McDermott took 600 3s in college and 600 FTs
Sheppard is at 150 and 65 respectively...
I think there are very different levels of confidence in projecting the shooting of those two prospects into the league.
Keep in mind it was a different time too... shooting has exploded since then.
I kind of feel this is precisely why you need him to be a PG in the league. I don't think you can afford to play him with another small guard and expect great point of attack D.
Teams nowadays will play their smallest player at the 1, but also initiate from the 2 or 3. Sheppard fits that concept. You may decide he can't be on the floor with another small guard, but then you have to ask--okay, who else can run my offense when Sheppard is off the ball? If for no other reason, teams should be able to trap Sheppard and get the ball out of his hands. Sheppard should work, because he can guard his yard, and his shooting makes him an effective floor spacer. For example, the Celtics play Derrick White at the 1, and he's their smallest starter, but they also have Jrue or Tatum who can run the offense.
The other trend now is that, since the floor is normally so spaced, teams just give the ball to their best triple-threat player. Whoever is the best shooter off the dribble and best at putting pressure on the rim, just start the actions by giving that guy the ball and let him go to work. Sheppard probably isn't going to be that guy, but rather will be a complementary offensive player. Back when the Raptors won their chip, they were running their offense through Kawhi and using both Lowry and FVV as off-ball shooters/spacers.
Last edited:
One thing that I do really like about Sheppard is that he elevates pretty effortlessly and high on his jumpers. Makes me more confident in his ability to be a dangerous off the dribble shot creator.