Ben Sheppard

Ben Sheppard, a professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers in the NBA, has quickly made a name for himself since his debut. Born on July 16, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, Sheppard honed his skills at Greater Atlanta Christian School before committing to Belmont for his college career. His dedication and performance at Belmont led him to be selected by the Pacers as the 26th pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Sheppard, who plays primarily as a shooting guard (SG), stands at 6 feet 6 inches (78 inches) and weighs 200 pounds. This combination of size and skill allows him to be a versatile player on the court, contributing significantly to the Pacers' game plan. During his rookie year in the 2023 season, Sheppard demonstrated his potential by participating in 57 regular-season games, starting in one, and boasting an average of 4.4 points per game, which showcased his scoring ability early in his career. He also displayed his defensive capabilities with an average of 0.58 steals per game. In addition to his regular season contributions, Sheppard also made an impact in the playoffs, appearing in 17 games and starting in two. He improved his performance significantly during this time, averaging 5.2 points and 3 rebounds per game, indicating his ability to elevate his game during critical moments of the season. Ben Sheppard's early career stats and playing time reflect his growing role and potential impact on the Pacers. His scoring average, along with his contributions in terms of rebounds, assists, steals, and minutes played, highlight his all-around game. Despite experiencing an injury in November 2024 that led him to miss multiple weeks, his recovery and return to the court are highly anticipated by both the team and fans alike. As he continues to develop his skills and adapt to the NBA's level of play, Sheppard is expected to become an integral part of the Pacers' future success.