The Washington Wizards should’ve chosen Reed Sheppard, born Isaiah Reed Sheppard, at the 2024 NBA Draft. Sheppard, a 20-year-old guard, was chosen third overall in the first round by the Houston Rockets. Sheppard was born and raised in London, Kentucky, and played college basketball at the University of Kentucky from 2023-24.
Sheppard’s college basketball career lasted just one season, but he was named the SEC Freshman of the Year by the SEC’s coaches. He was also named the National Freshman of the Year by both the United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
It’s safe to say Sheppard made the right call to forego his remaining college eligibility. He shined at Kentucky with the McDonald’s All-American and Kentucky Mr. Basketball honors in 2023. And, as a Kentucky Wildcat, he wore his father’s No. 15 jersey number. But the Wizards made the wrong choice in passing on him.
Alex Sarr’s Summer League Struggles
Alex Sarr, born Alexandre Dam Sarr, is a 19-year-old center. Sarr was selected second overall at the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards. He was born in Bordeaux, France, where he briefly lived before moving to Toulouse, France, with his family of basketball players. He began playing basketball at four years old.
Sarr stole the spotlight at the NBA Draft and signed a rookie-scale contract with the Wizards, but disappointed in the NBA 2K25 Summer League. Sarr posted 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in his Summer League debut, but went scoreless on 0-for-15 shooting from the field in his second Summer League game.
Sarr’s struggles can lead to doom ahead of the Wizards’ upcoming season. Sarr finished four Summer League games posting just 9-for-47 from the floor and 22.6% of true shooting, along with a 3.8 PER. His 3.8 PER mark was the worst among first-round picks in the Summer League. He pretty much shot the “miss-and-miss.”
Reed Sheppard’s Wizards Potential
There’s a chance Alex Sarr can rebound from his disappointing NBA 2K25 Summer League performances. After all, Sarr showed facility as a passer, as he dropped 13 dimes in four Summer League games, and served as a rim protector for the Wizards.
But, in the meantime, Reed Sheppard could’ve achieved potential as a Washington Wizard. Sheppard would’ve made a good, if not great, shooting guard to trail Jordan Poole. Sheppard’s catch-and-roll ability and pick-and-roll efficiency are elite and would be a major boost on this Wizards bench.
Sheppard made the All-NBA Summer League First Team. His NBA career began on a high note, and although things could fall apart, the guard excelled in this summer. He averaged 20 points, along with 5.3 assists and 4.8 rebounds, and shined on the defensive end of the court with 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
How Sheppard Would Fit in Washington
Reed Sheppard would’ve fit in with the Washington Wizards roster. Sheppard can play as a point guard and shooting guard. The guard’s shooting versatility would make him an impressive rising NBA rookie, along with an NBA player who could help the Wizards run their offense.
Sheppard took the NBA 2K25 Summer League by storm and can do the same during the upcoming regular season. His early dominance can lead to both short- and long-term results, two things the Wizards need. The team has suffered due to various issues, such as cataclysmic rebounding, and could’ve continued to rebuild with someone like him.
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