For NBA players, an NBA G-League assignment is not an intended part of their path. There are those that have had to go through the G-League to get to the NBA, with some spending a decade in the developmental league before getting the call. Others are sent down at some point in their career, with some never to come back. 

When Reed Sheppard was sent to the G-League, however, he treated it like a grand opportunity. 

The scoring was obviously on full display thanks to his game-high 49 points, but Sheppard was largely a facilitator and disruptor during the early parts of the Rio Grande Vipers’ 130-125 loss to the Oklahoma City Blue. Even with limited practice time with the Vipers, Sheppard was able to find open teammates and put others in comfortable spots offensively. On defense, he was tipping passes and putting pressure on those assigned to him. 

Going back to Sheppard’s offense, though, it was clear that he had already made strides in just 30 games. Sheppard’s career high when he was with the Kentucky Wildcats was 32 points and the most 3-pointers he knocked down in a single game was seven. It’s clear he’s a different player now as he easily eclipsed those in 36 minutes of G-League play. All he needed was the minutes, which he wasn’t going to get with the Houston Rockets at the moment. 

Players like Sheppard may not get opportunities with their current NBA teams at the moment, so the G-League is the perfect place for these players to get the necessary developmental reps. Beyond the numbers, Sheppard’s attitude and approach following the G-League assignment should be admired. He put his time there to good use and the Rockets certainly took notice. 

At the moment, Houston is second in the Western Conference at 24-12 so there’s no pressure for Sheppard, who is currently averaging 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, to come in immediately and contribute. The Rockets’ backcourt is currently loaded with guards who have similar profiles to his game, but a move at the trade deadline could change things for Sheppard. 

However, Houston would be wise to stand pat given how things have worked out so Sheppard should play the long game. In the meantime, we could see more of Sheppard in the G-League and while 40-point games won’t occur every time, the 20-year old’s growth should be evident with each game. Being a high lottery pick doesn’t mean he’s a finished product, but he certainly is closer to being one now thanks to the opportunities he’s been getting. 

Expectations for NBA lottery picks tend to be set high and unfortunately, some of them are unable to fulfill them. Reed Sheppard is one of the few lottery picks with the chance to carve out his own path without having to watch his back through every step of his learning curve. 

And with the way Sheppard showed out in his NBA G-League debut, it’s more likely than not that this would be one of the last videos the Rio Grande Vipers will post about him.