High-Flyer Takes Next Step to Rejoin Blazers

Shaedon Sharpe Takes Next Step to Rejoin Blazers

Selected seventh overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe was all but the picture of perfect health as a rookie. Playing in 80 games, he averaged 9.9 points per game while shooting 36.0 percent from deep.

One-sixth of those games matter most for Sharpe. In 15 starts, he averaged 18.5 points and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 36.2 percent from 3. With that, he vindicated the Blazers front office after making a risky decision in drafting him.

Upon leaving Dream City Christian, the high-flyer committed to Kentucky but chose not to play for the team, preparing for the upcoming NBA Draft instead. It was an unconventional and questionable approach. The top-rated shooting guard and a top-three high school recruit in the Class of 2021, Sharpe became the draft night mystery box.

This season, Sharpe was expected to build off of his flashes of potential.

Opportunity Ripe for the Taking

Former face of the franchise Damian Lillard left the Blazers —an organization in limbo —to head East. 2023 No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson’s scoring upside is significant but he wasn’t expected to pour in buckets like Lillard from the outset.

The acquisition of veteran Malcolm Brogdon helped close that gap. Yet, he’s more steady than potent. Consider that Brogdon has scored 30 or more points in four games over the past three seasons. Lillard has had 59 games scoring 30 or more points over the past three seasons.

In 112 career games, Sharpe has only eclipsed 30 points once. However, this season, he’s averaging 15.9 points per game (32 games). He’s scored at least 20 points in 10 games, showcasing his ability as an off-ball threat and shot-creator. Yet, Sharpe has made just 40.6 percent of his field goal attempts this season, his shot-selection a serious problem.

Defensively, there remains concern about Sharpe’s effort and anticipation, even on the boards. His struggle containing perimeter players off-the-dribble has led to him routinely guarding post players despite being 6-foot-5 and just over 200 pounds. When considering why Sharpe is being brought off the bench, it’s likely due more to his defensive weaknesses than any other factor. To that point, the Blazers opted to start rookie Toumani Camara—an intense and versatile defender —in his place.

The Last Word on Shaedon Sharpe

Sharpe may not have to hit any specific markers to close the season.

Nonetheless, the Blazers will likely be looking for Sharpe to show progression on the mental side of the game. This requires him to take better shots, have better defensive awareness, and make better reads as a playmaker. After finishing the season on a high note, he and the Blazers can prepare for the next phase of their rebuild.