GOOD NEWS:Mark Pope announce the retirement of a key player few minutes ago.

GOOD NEWS:Mark Pope announce the retirement of a key player few minutes ago.

Former Kentucky basketball guard Reed Sheppard earned significant honors after the NBA Summer League wrapped up on Monday night.

 

The rookie guard was named to the All-Summer League First Team. Joining Sheppard on the First Team were Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat), Scotty Pippen Jr. and GG Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies) and Jordan Miller (Los Angeles Clippers).

 

Sheppard had a terrific week in Las Vegas averaging 20.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.8 steals per game. He also shot 50 percent from the field. The Rockets went 2-3 on the week — Sheppard sat out the final game.

“Reed Sheppard, for example, has blown me away with his feel for the game and confidence,” One NBA executive told ESPN insider Jonathan Givony and Ohm Youngmisuk.

The local product finished his freshman season at Kentucky with averages of 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals while shooting 52.1 percent from three.

 

Entering Summer League play, Sheppard was given the fifth highest odds to win Rookie of the Year. After four games, those odds are likely to keep improving.

 

“If Sheppard’s play in Vegas so far is any indication,” ESPN’s Kevin Pelton wrote. “He’ll force his way into regular playing time as a rookie.”