2024 NBA Draft: Ranking the top shooting guards, including Kentucky star Reed Sheppard

Yahoo Sports is breaking down the top players in the 2024 NBA Draft by position this week. On Monday, we ranked the best point guards in this class, Tuesday we broke down the top centers, Wednesday we looked at the top power forwards, and today we’re ranking the top available shooting guards.

With the NBA becoming more position-less and designated spots on the floor becoming more blurred, the top shooting guards in this draft are expected to be more versatile in the backcourt and play on and off the ball. No one was more successful in that role during the college basketball season than Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard, who came off the bench with the second unit and was typically on the floor at the end of games in crunch time. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s fifth-year senior, Dalton Knecht, was the best scorer in college hoops and found different ways to get shots off despite being double and triple teamed often.

With the NBA Draft two weeks away on June 26-27 in New York, here’s a look at the top five shooting guards to keep tabs on, plus others to watch in the late first round or early second round.

(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports Illustration)

1. Reed Sheppard

Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 182 pounds | Age: 19

Sheppard, who turns 20 two days before the first night of the draft, will likely be the first shooting guard off the board, going anywhere from pick 3-7. He tied for first in the max vertical jump at the combine (42 inches), surprising a handful of scouts with his added athleticism at just 6-foot-2. Sheppard also shot an incredible 52.1% from 3-point range (on 3.5 attempts per game) in his one year at Kentucky and scored from the perimeter in a variety of ways, whether that was deep transition 3s, off screens or catch-and-shoot situations.

His two-way potential is what will get him on the court early with the way he can anticipate passes on defense, keep players in front and deflect the ball in the post. Sheppard finished his freshman year averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

2. Dalton Knecht

Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 204 pounds | Age: 23

Knecht’s journey to the NBA has been different than any other player in this draft class. He went…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-13 15:43:57

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