Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard was voted the top choice to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award by a panel of executives and scouts in a poll conducted by ESPN.
The 20 individuals polled were asked a number of questions about the incoming rookie class, such as the best player and the biggest steal of the draft. They were also asked about the draft expanding to a two-day format, which received a positive reaction.
Sheppard received seven votes from the panel, while Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey garnered four votes and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle had three votes.
Who’s your NBA Rookie of the Year pick?
- Reed Sheppard, Rockets: 7 votes
- Zach Edey, Grizzlies: 4
- Stephon Castle, Spurs: 3
- Donovan Clingan, Trail Blazers: 2
- Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks: 1
- Ron Holland II, Pistons: 1
- Dalton Knecht, Lakers: 1
- Tristan da Silva, Orlando Magic: 1
Sheppard debuted with the Rockets in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals and 1.3 blocked shots on 50% shooting from the field in four games. He was named to the NBA All-Summer League first team and finished ninth in scoring.
The third pick is second in odds to win Rookie of the Year, narrowly trailing only Risacher. He looked to be one of the top rookies on the court in the desert and proved himself as a high draft pick in a small sample size with the Rockets.
The odds will certainly continue to fluctuate over the course of the upcoming season, which tips off on Oct. 25. However, Sheppard and the rest of the players on the list established themselves as the top players thus far and should be in store for strong rookie campaigns.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=650261252]