Shaedon Sharpe, the Portland Trail Blazers’ third-year shooting guard, is generating buzz as “Shaedon Sharpe the Next Big Thing,” and it’s hard to ignore. Standing 6-foot-6, this former Kentucky star—who never played a game for the Wildcats—has become a focal point for NBA enthusiasts eager to see if he can rise from the ashes of a challenging season.
Is Shaedon Sharpe the Next Big Thing in the NBA?
In a dismal 21-61 season for the Blazers, Sharpe managed only 32 games due to injury. Yet, his performance in those games was far from negligible. Starting 25 of those matches, Sharpe posted averages of 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, showcasing a shooting line of .406/.333/.824. Despite the team’s struggles, his individual stats hinted at potential greatness.
ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently dissected Sharpe’s game on “The Lowe Post” podcast, shedding light on why he believes Sharpe could evolve into an elite offensive force. “Sharpe missed most of last season due to injury but was thrust into a significant role on a tanking Blazers squad,” Lowe explained. “He ran eight pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions as a rookie, and that number surged to almost 22 last year. Although his efficiency was lacking, largely due to turnovers and missed shots, there’s a silver lining.”
Lowe’s deep dive into Sharpe’s film revealed a promising, though inconsistent, talent. “Sharpe’s three-point shooting has been a rollercoaster,” Lowe said. “He shot just 25% on pull-up threes as a rookie and 29% last year. Yet, his catch-and-shoot numbers improved from 39% as a rookie to 46% last season. This suggests his shot could develop, beginning with catch-and-shoot and expanding from there.”
But it’s not all roses for Sharpe. Despite his offensive prowess, his defense remains a significant concern. Lowe cautioned that Sharpe’s path to becoming a competent defender is fraught with challenges. “Sharpe’s defense, particularly off the ball, has been problematic. The question is whether Sharpe, along with Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons, can coexist without the Blazers’ defense collapsing under pressure.”
Sharpe’s current 33.3% shooting from deep, despite a high volume of attempts, signals both potential and peril. As Sharpe continues to develop, his future as a key player for the Blazers hangs in the balance. Can he overcome his defensive shortcomings and live up to the hype? The jury is still out, but the excitement surrounding his growth is undeniable.
As the Blazers navigate their future, all eyes will be on Sharpe to see if he can transform from a promising talent into the game-changer Portland needs.
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