In the world of professional basketball, few rookies have captured the attention of fans and analysts like Reed Sheppard. As the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sheppard has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in the league.
The Kentucky native brings a unique blend of basketball intelligence, sharpshooting ability, and defensive instincts to the Houston Rockets. His journey from small-town high school standout to NBA lottery pick represents an inspiring story of dedication and family legacy.
Reed Sheppard’s Biography
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Isaiah Reed Sheppard |
| Date of Birth | June 24, 2004 |
| Age | 20 years old |
| Education | North Laurel High School, University of Kentucky (2023-2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’3″ (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2024 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5-10 million |
| Salary | $10,098,960 |
| Career Earnings | $10,201,954 |
| Relationship Status | Dating Brailey Dizney |
| @reed_sheppard15 | |
| @reed_sheppard |
Early Career
Reed Sheppard’s basketball journey began in London, Kentucky, where basketball runs deep in the community’s culture. Born to basketball royalty—Jeff and Stacey Sheppard, both former University of Kentucky stars—Reed was immersed in the sport from an early age. His father Jeff won two NCAA championships with Kentucky and was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 1998 NCAA tournament, while his mother Stacey (née Reed) was a standout for the Kentucky women’s basketball team in the 1990s.
During his childhood, Sheppard explored various sports including baseball, soccer, and football, but by seventh grade, he had decided to focus exclusively on basketball. His bedroom walls adorned with posters of Kentucky basketball legends like Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis, and John Wall foreshadowed his future path. Once he committed to basketball, his parents fully supported his decision, embodying the family motto of giving 100% in everything.
Sheppard’s high school career at North Laurel High School in London, Kentucky was nothing short of spectacular. He accumulated an impressive 3,727 points throughout his high school career, ranking third in Kentucky state history. His playmaking abilities were equally impressive, dishing out 1,214 assists (second in state history), grabbing 1,050 rebounds, and setting a state record with 653 steals. These remarkable numbers highlighted his all-around game and ability to impact every facet of play.
Professional Career
Reed Sheppard’s transition to professional basketball began when he declared for the 2024 NBA Draft after his freshman season at Kentucky. His stock had risen dramatically during his lone college season, with many draft analysts projecting him as a potential lottery pick.
The Houston Rockets, impressed by his basketball IQ, shooting touch, and defensive prowess, selected Sheppard with the third overall pick in the draft, making him the highest Kentucky draft pick since Karl-Anthony Towns went first overall in 2015.
Draft night was particularly special for Sheppard as it coincided with his mother Stacey’s birthday. At the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, surrounded by approximately 75 family members and friends, the Sheppard family celebrated both occasions. Before Reed was selected, the group gathered for an intimate birthday party where they sang “Happy Birthday” to Stacey and she blew out candles on her cake.
The evening became even more memorable when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Reed as the third overall selection, making him the first Eastern Kentucky native drafted into the NBA since 1987.
Upon being drafted, Sheppard signed a four-year, $45.85 million rookie-scale contract with the Houston Rockets. The deal included $20.7 million guaranteed over the first two seasons, with team options for the third and fourth years. This substantial contract reflected the Rockets’ belief in Sheppard’s potential to become a cornerstone player for their rebuilding franchise.
Sheppard missed 11 games due to a thumb injury, temporarily halting his development. However, this setback provided an opportunity for reflection and adjustment. Upon returning from injury, Sheppard showed improved comfort and confidence on the court, suggesting that the mental processing of the NBA game was beginning to slow down for him.
Girlfriend
One of the constants in Reed Sheppard’s life throughout his basketball journey has been his relationship with girlfriend Brailey Dizney.
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The couple’s love story began through their families, who knew each other in their hometown of London, Kentucky. Despite attending different high schools—Reed at North Laurel and Brailey at South Laurel—they met during a family vacation to Holmes Beach, Florida, where their connection blossomed.
Sheppard and Dizney have been dating since around October 2020, making their relationship public on social media in 2021. By 2025, they have been together for over four years, with their relationship having withstood the transitions from high school to college and now to professional basketball.
Dizney has been a steadfast supporter of Sheppard’s basketball career, regularly attending his games from high school through college and now the NBA.
Reed Sheppard’s Net Worth Details
Reed Sheppard’s net worth is estimated to be $5-10 million as of 2025.
Contract
Sheppard signed a four-year, $45,853,025 rookie-scale contract with the Houston Rockets after being selected third overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. This contract structure is predetermined by the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement based on draft position. The deal includes $20,702,520 guaranteed over the first two seasons, with team options for the third and fourth years.
The Rockets must decide by October 31, 2025, whether to exercise Sheppard’s third-year option for the 2026-27 season, and by October 31, 2026, for his fourth-year option. If Houston exercises all options, Sheppard will become a restricted free agent in 2028, giving the Rockets the right to match any offer sheet he might sign with another team.
Salary
For the 2024-25 season, Sheppard’s base salary is $10,098,960, which represents approximately 7.18% of the NBA salary cap. His salary is scheduled to increase incrementally over the duration of his rookie contract, with $10,603,560 for the 2025-26, $11,108,880 for the 2026-27 (team option), and $14,041,625 for the 2027-28 season (team option).
These figures reflect the standard rookie-scale progression for a third overall pick. Beyond his base salary, Sheppard earned additional compensation of $102,994 for participating in the NBA Cup tournament during his rookie season, bringing his total 2024-25 earnings to $10,201,954.
Career Earnings
| Season | Team | Base Salary | Incentives/Bonuses | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Houston Rockets | $10,098,960 | $102,994 (NBA Cup) | $10,201,954 |
| 2025-26 | Houston Rockets | $10,603,560 | TBD | $10,603,560* |
| 2026-27 | Houston Rockets (Team Option) | $11,108,880 | TBD | $11,108,880* |
| 2027-28 | Houston Rockets (Team Option) | $14,041,625 | TBD | $14,041,625* |
| Career Total | $45,956,019* |
NBA Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 (NBA) | Houston Rockets | 45 | 1 | 11.9 | 3.9 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 33.7% | 28.9% | 81.2% |
| 2024-25 (G-League) | Rio Grande Valley | 3 | 3 | 35.5 | 30.7 | 4.3 | 8.3 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 45.6% | 40.5% | 100. |
FAQs
1. What is Reed Sheppard’s nationality and for which NBA team does she play?
Sheppard is an American basketball player who was drafted by the Houston Rockets in the first round, joining the NBA after a breakout season at the University of Kentucky.
2. Where did Sheppard play college basketball and what were her collegiate achievements?
She helped lead Kentucky to the NCAA Tournament, won SEC Freshman of the Year, and gained national attention for her all-around efficiency, defensive playmaking, and shooting ability.
3. When was Sheppard drafted and by which NBA franchise?
The Houston Rockets selected her in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, targeting her as a high-upside combo guard with immediate shooting impact.
4. What is Sheppard’s primary position and what are her strengths on the court?
Sheppard plays both point guard and shooting guard, known for excellent three-point shooting, high basketball IQ, quick decision-making, and disruptive defense with steals and deflections.
5. How did Sheppard perform statistically in college and how does that translate to the NBA?
She averaged double-digit points, shot over 50% from three, contributed multiple assists and steals per game, and played error-free basketball, making her a fit for modern NBA systems.
6. What type of role is Sheppard expected to play for the Rockets?
Her projected role will be as a key rotation guard off the bench, providing scoring, floor spacing, secondary playmaking, and energy on both ends for the youthful Rockets roster.
7. What do coaches and analysts say about Sheppard’s NBA future?
Coaches praise her coachability, work ethic, and versatility, while analysts see her as a potential long-term NBA starter due to elite shooting and defensive instincts.
8. Does Sheppard come from a basketball or athletic family background?
Sheppard is the son of former Kentucky legends Jeff Sheppard and Stacey Reed, giving her both a genetic and cultural foundation in high-level basketball.
9. How does Sheppard’s style of play benefit her team?
Her ability to play on or off the ball, space the floor, force turnovers, and play within team concepts makes her valuable for switching defensive schemes and efficient half-court offenses.
10. What are Sheppard’s career goals for her time in the NBA?
Sheppard aims to grow into a starting guard, help the Rockets compete in the Western Conference, maintain elite shooting percentages, and become one of the best two-way guards of her draft class.
