As an elite shooter with high basketball IQ and a looming transition to point guard, Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet was a natural comparison for Reed Sheppard during the 2024 pre-draft process.

Now, as fate would have it, they’re playing for the same team in Houston.

When asked at Monday’s media day about the comparisons, VanVleet acknowledged the similarities.

“I think it’s always funny that I get used as a draft comp as an undrafted guy,” VanVleet said. “I see a lot of similarities in terms of pace and poise, and his reads. You saw it really come out in summer league.”

“I’m excited to have him next to me. I’ll use him to get better, and he’ll use me to get better. It’s my job to speed up his development process.”

In subsequent comments, Sheppard said he viewed VanVleet as someone he could trust.

“He’s going to be someone I can trust to tell me the right thing, not just what I want to hear,” Sheppard said.

“Whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, he’s going to say that, and I’m going to be comfortable hearing that from him. He obviously knows what he’s doing and how to stay around, and he’s a winner. I’m really excited for that relationship.”

VanVleet and Sheppard’s complete interviews from Monday’s media day are available via Jackson Gatlin and the Locked on Rockets YouTube channel.

More: Fred VanVleet impressed by Amen Thompson entering 2024-25 Rockets training camp

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: After pre-draft comps, Reed Sheppard, Fred VanVleet working together