NBA-NEWS: the Kentucky Wildcats have officially announced the addition of a franchise center. According to CBS, The franchise center officially signed a massive five-year contract for $167.4 million with the  Golden state warriors following.

Kentucky bolsters roster with 'key piece' in transfer portal

Reed Sheppard named NBA All-Summer League First Team

The former Kentucky guard averaged 20.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks over four games.
Former Kentucky guard and Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard has been named to the NBA 2K25 All-Summer League First Team, it was announced by the league on Monday.

Joining Sheppard on the First Team were GG Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies), Jordan Miller (Los Angeles Clippers), Scotty Pippen Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), and Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat).

Kentucky bolsters roster with 'key piece' in transfer portal

In four games for the Rockets, Sheppard did a little bit of everything, averaging 20.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 50% from the floor. Sheppard did not play in Houston’s final game as the Rockets finished 2-3.

He is currently at 7-1 odds to win NBA Rookie of the. Year.

Kentucky bolsters roster with 'key piece' in transfer portal

“From the start of summer league, Reed Sheppard looked the part,” wrote ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “I was high on Sheppard’s potential during the draft process, and he showed with his play in Las Vegas why the Rockets should be very excited about his future in Houston — where he could be a perfect fit alongside Amen Thompson as a long-term backcourt tandem. If it weren’t for the crowded Houston roster and rotation, he would be my clear pick for Rookie of the Year.”

Kentucky bolsters roster with 'key piece' in transfer portal

Sheppard was selected by Houston with the No. 3 overall pick in last month’s 2024 NBA Draft, Kentucky’s highest draft pick since Karl-Anthony Towns went No. 1 overall in 2015.