Ben Sheppard has quietly carved out a role for himself in Indiana’s backcourt since joining the Pacers as a late first-round pick. At just 23 years old, he’s already racked up valuable playing time, showing steady improvement in shooting and defense.
Off the court, Sheppard’s low-key personality and smooth jump shot have earned him respect around the league, even if he isn’t a household name-yet.
Ben Sheppard’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Lee Sheppard |
| Date of Birth | July 16, 2001 |
| Age | 23 |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Atlanta, Georgia |
| High School | Greater Atlanta Christian School |
| College | Belmont University (2019–2023) |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| NBA Debut / Turned Pro | 2023 |
| Current Team | Indiana Pacers |
| Jersey Number | 26 |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| @bensheppard_26 | |
| @BenSheppNBA |
Early Career
Ben Sheppard first made waves at Greater Atlanta Christian School, where his combination of size, shooting touch, and basketball IQ set him apart. As a junior he averaged 13.7 points per game, playing a pivotal role in leading GAC to the Class AAA state championship.
Coaches and scouts admired his work ethic and versatility-he could space the floor with his three-point shot, drive off the bounce, and defend multiple positions on the wing.
Despite posting solid numbers in high school, Sheppard flew under the radar of many Power Five programs. He ultimately chose Belmont University, a school gaining attention for its guard-driven, up-tempo offense under coach Casey Alexander. The Bruins’ system emphasized ball movement, three-point shooting, and defensive intensity, a style that suited Sheppard’s skill set perfectly.
In his freshman season (2019-20), Sheppard played in all 32 games but averaged just 2.9 points per contest as he adjusted to the college level. Rather than fret, he used that season to refine his shot mechanics, improve his conditioning, and learn the nuances of team defense.
By his sophomore campaign, he earned a starting spot and boosted his scoring to 10.5 points per game while shooting over 38 percent from three. Observers praised his smooth release, off-ball movement, and knack for making timely defensive rotations.
Sheppard’s junior year (2021-22) marked his true breakout. Averaging 16.2 points per game, he earned first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors, showcasing his ability to create off the dribble and light up the scoreboard in bunches.
He developed a reputation as one of the league’s steadiest shooters, hitting a high volume of catch-and-shoot triples and finishing strong at the rim on drives.
Professional Career
Ben Sheppard with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, highlighting the Pacers’ desire to add a tough, 6’6” wing who could space the floor and defend multiple positions. Upon signing his four-year, $13.02 million rookie-scale contract on July 1, 2023, Sheppard dove into summer league and training camp determined to earn real minutes.
He split time between the Pacers and their G League affiliate, the Indiana Mad Ants. Early on, he found his niche as a catch-and-shoot specialist who could defend on the perimeter. Though his playing time fluctuated-he appeared in 57 games with one start-Sheppard showed steady improvement.
He averaged 4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists in 14.3 minutes per game while shooting 31.4 percent from three. Coaches praised his professionalism in practice, his willingness to study scouting reports, and his hustle on every possession.
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Sheppard’s role expanded. In the 2024-25 season, he saw action in 63 games and made nine starts, averaging 19.5 minutes with 5.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. His shooting improved to 34.2 percent from long range, and he became one of the last players off the bench when opponents needed to respect Indiana’s spacing.
Sheppard also logged quality minutes in late-season games and even occasional playoff contests, demonstrating versatility in defensive matchups against larger wings and smaller guards.
Ben Sheppard’s Net Worth Details
Ben Shephard’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025.
Contract
Ben Sheppard inked his first NBA contract on July 1, 2023, agreeing to a four-year, $13.02 million rookie-scale deal with the Indiana Pacers.
The pact is fully guaranteed for the first two seasons-paying him $2,537,172 in 2023-24 and $2,663,880 in 2024-25-and then features team options for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 campaigns, worth approximately $3.19 million and $3.63 million respectively.
This structure gives Sheppard financial security while giving the Pacers roster flexibility as he continues to grow his role on and off the court.
Salary
Ben Sheppard’s rookie-scale salary kicks off at $2,537,172 for the 2023-24 season and increases to $2,663,880 in 2024-25. If the Pacers pick up their team options, he’ll make approximately $3,189,288 in 2025-26 and $3,631,572 in 2026-27, bringing his four-year total to about $13.02 million.
That progression-from roughly $2.5 million as a rookie to more than $3.6 million by Year 4-places him solidly in the Pacers’ mid-tier salary group, reflecting both the league’s structured rookie scale and his growing value as a dependable two-way wing.
Career Earnings
| Season | Cash Earnings |
|---|---|
| 2023-24 | $2,537,160 |
| 2024-25 | $2,663,880 |
| 2025-26 | $2,790,720 |
| 2026-27 | $5,031,669 |
| Total | $13,023,429 |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Indiana Pacers | 57 | 1 | 14.3 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 0.9 | .393 | .314 |
| 2024–25 | Indiana Pacers | 63 | 9 | 19.5 | 5.3 | 2.8 | 1.3 | .418 | .342 |
| Career | – | 120 | 10 | 17.0 | 4.9 | 2.2 | 1.1 | .407 | .330 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ben Shephard?
Ben Shephard is an English television presenter and journalist renowned for his versatile broadcasting career. He has anchored flagship ITV programmes, delivered sports analysis on Sky Sports and fronted popular quiz and entertainment shows. His warm on-screen manner has made him one of Britain’s most recognizable TV personalities. Based on sources.
2. When and where was Ben Shephard born?
Ben Shephard was born on 11 December 1974 in Epping, Essex, England. He grew up locally before studying at the University of Birmingham where he graduated with a degree in English Literature. His early journalistic work included stints on local radio and regional television. Based on sources.
3. What television programmes has Ben Shephard presented?
Shephard has presented a range of shows across sports, entertainment and morning television. On sports channels he fronted Sky Sports’ Champions League coverage and Goals on Sunday. He hosts ITV’s quiz show Tipping Point and formerly co-anchored Good Morning Britain. In 2024 he took over as host of This Morning. Based on sources.
4. What charitable activities is Ben Shephard known for?
Ben Shephard is a dedicated fundraiser and adventurer. In 2009 he founded the annual Coast-to-Coast charity run, covering 145 miles across northern England to support Comic Relief. He has completed multiple marathons, climbed mountains, and taken on boxing challenges for Sport Relief. His efforts have raised substantial funds for UK charities. Based on sources.
5. What book has Ben Shephard written?
Ben Shephard published his debut book, Humble Heroes: Inspirational Stories of Hope, Heart and Humanity. The collection profiles ordinary people who performed extraordinary acts of kindness and courage. Through compelling narratives he highlights everyday heroism, aiming to inspire readers to appreciate and emulate these acts of generosity. Based on sources.
6. Who is Ben Sheppard in the NBA?
Ben Sheppard (Benjamin Lee Sheppard) is an American professional basketball player born on 16 July 2001. He plays as a small forward for the Indiana Pacers. After starring at Belmont University, he was selected 26th overall in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Based on sources.
7. What team drafted Ben Sheppard and in which year?
Ben Sheppard with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. As a rookie, he signed a four-year contract and immediately joined the Pacers’ rotation, appearing in over fifty games during his debut season. Based on sources.
8. What college did NBA player Ben Sheppard attend?
Ben Sheppard attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he played three seasons for the Bruins. He developed into a reliable scorer and defender, earning All-Conference honors before declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft and beginning his professional career with the Indiana Pacers. Based on sources.
9. What is Ben Sheppard’s contract value with the Indiana Pacers?
Sheppard signed a four-year, $13,023,429 rookie-scale contract with the Indiana Pacers in 2023. The deal includes full guarantees and club options for the third and fourth seasons. His average annual salary is approximately $3.26 million, with base salaries rising each year per NBA rookie scale rules. Based on sources.
10. Who is Ben Sheppard at Berkeley Research Group and what does he specialize in?
Ben Sheppard at Berkeley Research Group is a seasoned valuation and forensic expert with over twenty years’ experience. He specializes in complex business dispute valuations and intellectual property investigations, covering trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. He has testified in more than eighty legal proceedings and authored industry articles. Based on sources.
