It’s a historically weak draft, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get your hands on talent — potentially from Kentucky
two former Wildcats ranked inside the top 10 in the latest projections. Reed Sheppard is listed as the No. 3 overall pick to the Houston Rockets and the No. 4 draft prospect in ESPN’s newest update while Rob Dillingham is expected to go No. 6 overall to the Charlotte Hornets and comes in at No. 7 on the big board.
No matter where you look, it’s a pretty clear consensus that Sheppard and Dillingham will not be waiting long in Brooklyn when the 2024 NBA Draft tips off on June 26.
But what should you expect from the Wildcat duo when they make their respective professional debuts and find their footing in the league? ESPN’s Jeremy Woo included some player comparisons for both to keep an eye on as they begin their NBA journeys.
Reed Sheppard
Could Laurel County’s own become an MVP talent one day? That’s his ceiling, while his floor is that of a high-end role contributor on a team set to compete in the NBA Finals.
High end: Steve Nash
Low end: Payton Pritchard
“Nash is certainly a lofty name to start with for Sheppard, but it reflects the optimism from scouts that has helped him boost his draft stock as a likely top-five pick,” Woo said of the Wildcat standout. “While his role at Kentucky didn’t let him play point guard full-time, the upside lies in Sheppard’s ability to make plays in transition, knock down shots and develop half-court creation.
“His knack for making the right play and impressive shooting splits give him a chance to outkick expectations. Of course, it’s always hard to bank on a star-level outcome, but Sheppard should be able to find a role as a top bench player at worst thanks to his shooting and basketball IQ.”
Not a bad spot to be in.
Rob Dillingham
As for the SEC Sixth Man of the Year, his ceiling and floor are pretty far apart in the league, as well. The best version of himself is an NBA All-Star while the worst is a high-level energy guy off the bench with microwave scoring potential.
High end: Darius Garland
Low end: Bones Hyland
“Dillingham’s creative playmaking and long-distance shooting has drawn comparisons to players such as Garland and Trae Young, but scouts acknowledge the wide range of outcomes for guards his size (6-foot-2, 164 pounds) in the NBA,” Woo wrote. “If he makes a quick adjustment and proves capable of handling starting minutes, he has the shiftiness and scoring ability to be a potent scorer and playmaker.
“If things go the other direction, Dillingham may wind up as more of a microwave option off the bench, which could lead to some longevity, but isn’t what teams are hoping for with a top-10 pick.”
Let’s hope for the higher end on both former Cats, particularly for Sheppard as a potential two-time MVP. That’s something the entire 606 can get behind.
