NBA fans are most familiar with Shaedon Sharpe’s high-flying dunk package.
His record-setting vertical and lengthy frame allows him to create some of the most electrifying jams of the past few seasons.
Shaedon Sharpe put together one of the best rookie-season dunk reels of all time pic.twitter.com/4bo7cqS7mr
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) September 27, 2023
But Blazer fans are currently focused on a different side of the mysterious star: Shaedon Sharpe the Scorer.
Off to a Solid Start
After starting the season on the injury report, Sharpe has become the Blazers leader in points per game (18.4) in just seven appearances. Exclude his first three games — in which he only played 20 minutes per game and the Blazers lost every contest by an average of 27 points — and the third-year player is averaging 25.8 PPG on 48/42/72 shooting splits.
It’s a small sample size, but it’s a welcomed one by the Blazers. Portland has emphasized amassing current talent, as opposed to draft picks, during its three-year tanking bout, with the intent of letting every player have the opportunity to assert themselves as a building block for the future.
For building blocks, Sharpe is seen as a foundational cornerstone, which is why head coach Chauncey Billups has been pushing him to be more aggressive and embrace the star role that everyone around him knows he can thrive in.
A Confident Shooting Stroke
Sharpe has the tools to be an effective three-level scorer, the Blazers’ number-one option, and the go-to guy in tight games. Everyone has seen his ability to finish at the rim. Whether it be his dunks or his layups, his hang time leaves little doubt as to whether or not he’ll be an effective slasher in the half-court or transition.
SHAEDON SHARPE DONE LEVITATED pic.twitter.com/Hxx4xzzp1x
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 18, 2024
What currently excites everyone is that Shaedon’s jump shot has looked fluid to start the season. Being such a threat to score at the rim, defenders are choosing to let him have open mid-range shots in the pick and roll, which he has graciously been knocking down to start the year.
He’s also been aggressive with his three-pointer in catch-and-shoot situations, including showing off a no-dip three-pointer the other day (which he likely learned from Jerami Grant).
Shaedon Sharpe really added a no dip 3 to his bag..What can’t he do? 😭🔥pic.twitter.com/AIncuF5aP0
— ᴛʏʟᴇʀ (@blazersforreal) November 19, 2024
But it’s the stepback three he’s been working on that shows a glimpse at some of the next-level tricks he can perform. It was on full display in the final moments against the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.
ICE. IN. HIS. VEINS. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/difE1BAsKV
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 18, 2024
His jumper passes the eye test. It looks smooth, strong and repeatable. He may not be as tall as Kevin Durant, but how Sharpe can rise and shoot at his apex will give him Durant-like capabilities to shoot with a hand in his face. He still has a plethora of tricks to master before we can make comparisons to the Slim Reaper, but Sharpe has the physical tools to be an unabated, every-night scorer for Portland.
Staying Healthy
His health issues have been the biggest deterrent to his growth. He’s had stretches of games like this one since his rookie year, but now it’s about maintaining this production level for an extended time. However, having turned 21 in May, he still has as long of a runway as anyone in the league to grow.
The Blazers are currently teetering on the edge of competitiveness. At 6-foot-9, they’ve proven they can knock off good teams if disrespected, but still are susceptible to blowouts and startling off-nights from game to game.
Portland’s front office’s wish is likely to stay near the bottom of the standings, land a high draft pick, and sign one more potential star for the roster. If Sharpe doesn’t want any more competition but wants to make Portland his team he has all the opportunity in the world to do so.
He just has to step up and do it.
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