After being selected with the seventh overall pick in 2022, Shaedon Sharpe has been the most promising player in the Portland Trail Blazers’ rebuild. Sharpe’s potential is through the roof as a star shooting guard, making him a potential Blazers superstar. Let’s dive into his impressive play and importance to the Blazers.
Shaedon Sharpe is Showcasing His Blazers Superstar Potential
The Trail Blazers have been looking for ways to build towards their future after the Damian Lillard era. Most people saw Scoot Henderson as the natural Lillard successor, but Shaedon Sharpe could be the star. Head coach Chauncey Billups believes a motivated Sharpe could make him a world-beater.
After a promising rookie year in the 2022-23 season, Sharpe could not follow it with a strong sophomore campaign. He only played 32 games in his second year, so this 2024-25 run has been fun for the Blazers fans. Shaedon’s 24–25 averages are 17.5 points, four rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game on 44.8% from the field.
Sharpe’s Potential Could Make Him the Blazers Superstar
When people discuss Sharpe’s skill set, athleticism is the most discussed factor. He is an absurd athlete, but Shaedon is more than just a dunker. The seventh overall pick from the 2022 Draft is a natural scorer who could become a three-level superstar. Apart from his scoring, he also has underrated playmaking chops.
Sharpe’s finishing in the paint is impressive due to his dunking and soft touch around the rim. His natural ability to get to his spots helps him easily score in the mid-range. The efficiency from three could improve, considering he has been shooting 33.9% throughout his career. If he continues developing his game, the ascent to superstardom is on the cards.
Of course, he still has some holes in his game. The lack of energy is problematic because Sharpe is mostly a nonchalant player. He could be explosive, especially with his athleticism, but he needs to be more energetic.
Shaedon Sharpe was in his self creation bag tonight
He still needs to tighten the handle up a little but footwork comes so naturally to him
He’s able to create fantastic separation even though sometimes it looks like he’s playing in slow motion
Shades of Brandon Roy pic.twitter.com/dK3IrKWyUM
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) January 31, 2025
A Motivated Sharpe Is The Best Version of the Promising Guard
Over the last six games, Share has played off the bench for the Blazers. Coach Billups held him accountable for his lax defense performances and to motivate the young player. Billups is a big fan of Sharpe, so maximizing his talent is a priority. After the Blazers’ second win over the Orlando Magic, Chauncey sang Shaedon’s praises. He knows Sharpe’s potential could make him one of the league’s best players.
“I love it. I want someone to get into it with Shaedon every game. We need it, he needs it,” Billups said after the win. “Every time he gets upset, it’s happened another time, I think it was Dillon Brooks. Every time it happens, it takes him to another level.”
If Sharpe continues to play with as much energy as he did against Orlando, he could become a superstar. The natural chemistry with Henderson makes them the focal point of the Blazers’ rebuild. Portland can build around Shaedon as the number-one option, while Scoot is the playmaker. A backcourt like that is already fun, but a forward duo of Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara makes it better. Donovan Clingan also figures into the long-term plans due to his potential as a defensive anchor. A core like that could make them contenders in the long run, as long as Portland builds around them well.
Probably won’t quite reach this starting lineup in the 2025 season, but I love that Portland is trending toward it.
PG Scoot Henderson
SG Shaedon Sharpe
SF Toumani Camara
PF Deni Avdija
C Donovan ClinganAges ranging from 20-24. There is so much potential there.
— David MacKay (@DavidMacKayNBA) January 21, 2025
The Blazers Must Carve A Pathway to Stardom For Sharpe
Portland’s front office is trending toward a full Blazers rebuild. However, they have not made the trades to commit to their young core because veterans are still on the team. Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Anfernee Simons are the players blocking the pathway for the young players.
They are a talented trio but do not have long-term spots on the Blazers. General manager Joe Cronin must make trades to help Portland commit to a direction. They are walking the line between two timelines, which is not a good way to run a team. The team must maximize Sharpe’s potential to become that number-one guy they have been looking for.
For the Blazers to have a winning culture, committing to Sharpe as a Blazers superstar is needed. That is true for Henderson and Clingan, considering they have players in their pathway. Portland could become a team that mirrors the OKC Thunder, who have risen to the top of the NBA. Factor in the possible high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the Blazers could make their way up.
Photo credit: © Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
