Houston Rockets Rookie Reed Sheppard Deserves a Higher NBA 2K Rating: Here’s Why
Reed Sheppard, the former Kentucky Wildcats standout and third overall pick in the NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, took the NBA Summer League by storm. His impressive performance has NBA fans and analysts alike buzzing with the belief that Sheppard could be the standout player of his draft class. Yet, despite his on-court excellence, Sheppard’s rating in NBA 2K, one of the most popular sports video games globally, has left many scratching their heads.
In the NBA Summer League, Sheppard showcased a well-rounded game that exceeded expectations. He demonstrated his ability to score from anywhere on the court, distribute the ball with precision, and contribute on both ends of the floor with solid rebounding and tenacious defense. His knack for getting steals often led to fast-break opportunities and electrifying dunks, further solidifying his potential as a future star in the NBA. Based on his Summer League performance, many NBA general managers have already pegged Sheppard as a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award.
Given this early success, it’s surprising that NBA 2K rated Sheppard a mere 73. While this rating ties him for the second-highest among rookies, alongside the two UConn Huskies drafted early, it still places him behind Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, who both received a rating of 75. This discrepancy has sparked debate among fans, with many believing that Sheppard’s rating doesn’t accurately reflect his potential or his Summer League dominance.
It’s likely that these initial ratings were established before the Summer League took place, meaning the developers at NBA 2K may not have fully accounted for Sheppard’s standout performances. If the rating were adjusted to reflect his recent showings, it’s hard to imagine that Sheppard would sit at just a 73. As the season progresses, and if Sheppard delivers the kind of performances many expect, his rating is almost certain to see a significant boost in NBA 2K’s updates.
Sheppard’s situation isn’t unique, as two other former Kentucky Wildcats also received NBA 2K ratings that may not fully capture their abilities. Robert Dillingham, another top prospect, was given a 72, while Antonio Reeves, who was selected in the second round, received a 68. Despite the lower ratings, all three players are expected to play key roles on their respective NBA teams, with Sheppard likely leading the charge for the Rockets.
Reed Sheppard’s journey from high school star to NBA lottery pick has been nothing short of remarkable, and his early impact in the Summer League suggests he’s only just getting started. As the season unfolds, both fans and critics will be watching closely to see if Sheppard lives up to the hype and proves that his NBA 2K rating is due for a significant upgrade. If his Summer League performance is any indication, the Rockets may have found their next franchise cornerstone, and NBA 2K might have some catching up to do in recognizing his true potential.
