The NBA Draft is here and we're here to analyze a popular parlay featuring Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham in tonight's Draft.
We're here to share our NBA draft series. Everyone is speculating who will take who and where every player will go in this year's NBA Draft. A lot of the talk is that this draft is one of the worst we have had in a while, but there are some talented players and some potential for finding diamonds in the rough.
Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham are two of the better talents in this draft. They were great at Kentucky this past season. Sheppard is the better NBA prospect, but Dillingham scored more than him this past season at Kentucky. There is an argument to be made that Dillingham is the more dynamic prospect in the NBA, but Sheppard is the better three-point shooter overall.
The Houston Rockets have the third pick in the draft and are the big favorite to draft Reed Sheppard to help them out on the perimeter. Dillingham's chances start after that. Realistically, Dillingham should get drafted beginning at the sixth pick, but he could sit until the 13th pick. Charlotte could take a chance on him, but a team like the Spurs could also take a chance on him at the eighth pick to try and get some playmaking in the backcourt for the Spurs and continue to add help for Wembanayma.
Here are the NBA Draft Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Draft Parlay Odds:
Reed Sheppard to be drafted third overall and Rob Dillingham to be a Top 10 Pick: +170
Why Reed Sheppard Will be the No. 3 Overall Pick
Reed Sheppard is the big favorite to be drafted with the third pick by the Houston Rockets. Sheppard is the ideal option for the modern-day NBA. He thrives as a shooter, averaging 52.1% from behind the arc this past season at Kentucky. He also averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 53.6% from the field overall. Sheppard is a smaller guard at 6'2″ and weighing 187 pounds. He was also solid on defense, averaging 0.7 blocks and 2.5 steals per game.
Sheppard has a lot of potential in this modern game of basketball. He would be a perfect fit for Ime Udoka because he demands toughness from his players and his offense is very team-oriented. Sheppard can get his shot and is a great shooter, but he also competes and can be a great defender. His size is a concern, but with how much spacing goes on in the NBA it might not matter. He would be a perfect fit in Houston.
Why Rob Dillingham Will be Drafted in the Top 10
There is an argument to be made that Rob Dillingham is the best playmaker available in this NBA Draft. He is 6'1″ and weighs 176 pounds. He also averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 44.4% from behind the arc and 47.5% from the field. He is very dynamic on offense. On defense, he has been solid, but not great, averaging o.1 blocks and 1 steal per game last season. His biggest asset is his playmaking and his ability to get his shot.
Dillingham has the tools that teams in the rest of the top 10 would love. The Hornets might look at him for help in the backcourt with LaMelo Ball, but the best fit for his skillset is the Spurs. The Spurs desperately need to capitalize on what they have with Wembanyama and adding one of the best offensive players in this class would be huge for a backcourt that has struggled. Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell are solid, especially on defense on the perimeter. Dillingham would be the jumpstart they need in the backcourt from an offensive standpoint and a great complement for Wembanyama down low.
Final Prediction
I do think this parlay should hit. There has been a lot of talk on if the Rockets are going to swing big for a trade for Kevin Durant and what they do on draft night could determine that like picking Donovan Clingan and not Reed Sheppard. However, that was put to rest earlier today by Suns owner Matt Ishbia. I think that cements Sheppard heading to the Rockets. Dillingham is too good of an offensive player for the Spurs to pass up and they desperately need help on that end. These two Kentucky teammates should hear their names called not far from each other tonight.
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Final Prediction & Pick: Reed Sheppard to be drafted third overall and Rob Dillingham to be a Top 10 Pick (+170)
