Sheppard joined the public relations department of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets in 1994.

[1] Sheppard would later move to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he served as the sports information director for the UNLV Rebels for three seasons.

Sheppard was responsible for overseeing the team's public relations department, in addition to scouting players in the high school, college and international ranks.

Sheppard served in various capacities with the franchise and was responsible for the team's rebuilding efforts, which saw the Wizards move on from Gilbert Arenas and placing a greater emphasis on drafting and developing players.

Sheppard was considered influential in the team's decision to build around both John Wall and Bradley Beal.