The Detroit Pistons may not have the worst record in the NBA when the 2023-24 regular season ends. However, they still have high odds to land the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As the NBA Draft Lottery odds currently stand, they’ll likely land a pick no lower than sixth overall.
With March Madness’s arrival and NBA Draft season quickly approaching, several elite prospects are already on Detroit’s radar. Based on their play this season, their biggest need is off-ball shooting from the wing. But which player is the best fit for the Pistons?
In this article, Last Word on Sports will attempt to make a case for Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard. Likely a one-and-done, Sheppard’s play at ‘Guard University’ caught the basketball world’s attention early. This is despite more highly-touted prospects being on the roster. The USBWA Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year, Sheppard averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game.
Reed Sheppard the Best Pick for Pistons in 2024 NBA Draft
In assessing Sheppard’s fit with the Pistons, judging his skillset against Jaden Ivey’s is useful. Both are combo guards, capable of making plays on and off-ball. Both have defensive upside.
However, Sheppard is an elite 3-point shooter, knocking down 52.5 percent of his 3s. Though he’s unlikely to shoot over 50 percent from beyond the arc for the duration of his NBA career, his touch, form, and range suggest sustainable efficiency. This is the most significant difference between him and Ivey. To that point, Ivey is shooting 33.6 percent from 3 in the NBA after shooting 32.2 percent from 3 at Purdue.
Conversely, while Ivey’s biggest weakness is magnified with the Pistons, Sheppard’s could be partially masked. At about 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Sheppard is on the smaller end of the spectrum. He’s not an especially athletic guard, often forced to finish below the rim.
A Win-Win Situation
Because the lane is often congested when the Pistons are on offense, Sheppard will hover beyond the arc —more often than not —anyway. Furthermore, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren, and Cade Cunningham provide rim pressure and live-dribble playmaking. As defenses converge on this trio in particular, Sheppard should thrive in the space he gets behind the 3-point line.
If Sheppard does need to attack a closeout, his touch in the midrange and the paint will be valuable. To that point, when Sheppard forays into the lane, he’s always a passing threat. Though more of a connector than a true point guard, this also benefits Detroit.
The Pistons already have a full-time floor general in Cunningham. Thompson, who also has excellent passing skills and instincts, could grow into a role akin to a point-forward. Sheppard’s ability to read the floor and make the right pass off the dribble will lead to better ball movement and shot attempts by the Pistons.
Players like Thompson and Duren will receive several lobs and dump-offs from Sheppard. This will be the case when Detroit is in transition as well. The Kentucky guard is always looking up the court to get quick points.
A Fitting Defender for the New Age?
At the other end, Ivey’s athleticism gives him potential as an on-ball defender. Sheppard has solid lateral agility and quick hands. Yet, his intangibles give him upside as an on-ball or off-ball defender. His processing, timing, and anticipation help him disrupt drives and create chaos in passing lanes.
He likely won’t guard more than two positions due to his lack of length. He may be vulnerable against explosive guards. However, as guard play becomes increasingly crafty and less reliant on athleticism, Sheppard’s skillset is valuable.
Jaden Ivey’s Future Outlook
Sheppard isn’t a homerun pick. He doesn’t offer an elite scoring package. There are physical limitations that could manifest themselves at both ends. However, Sheppard is a hit. He’s a stolen base. A player that helps move the organization forward one more step.
After his selection, the Pistons don’t have to move Ivey immediately. Sheppard could work his way into the flow of the offense and earn the team’s trust coming off the bench initially. Furthermore, Ivey could always enter the next season as a better 3-point shooter. Nonetheless, Sheppard’s pick increases the likelihood that Ivey comes off the bench or is traded.
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