Shaedon Sharpe’s Contract Gains Value Daily
Shaedon Sharpe, selected seventh overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022, arrived to the NBA shrouded in uncertainty. His time at Kentucky was limited to the bench, which left teams unsure about his potential. However, General Manager Joe Cronin saw something special in the young Canadian and made him the franchise’s first lottery pick in nine years.
In his rookie season, Sharpe played 80 games, averaging 22.2 minutes per game. He scored 9.9 points, grabbed 3.0 rebounds, and dished out 1.2 assists, but fell short of making the All Rookie team. Despite these numbers, his talent shone through with explosive plays on the court.
Contract Details and Performance Growth
After two years of development, Sharpe signed a four-year, $90 million contract with the Blazers in October. This deal reflects a consideration of his potential growth, despite earlier skepticism over whether he was worth maximum money. While some experts remained doubtful about his capabilities, Sharpe’s performance in the current season is proving them wrong.
In the initial games of the season, Sharpe struggled with efficiency, raising concerns about his shot selection. However, a significant shift occurred in December. In the 15 games following a loss to the Toronto Raptors on December 2, he averaged 22.9 points while shooting 46.6% from the field and 42.0% from three-point range. This marked a turnaround from his dismal October and November performance, where he hit only 25.2% of his three-point attempts.
Statistical Improvements
- Points Per Game: 22.9
- Field Goal Percentage: 46.6%
- Three-Point Percentage: 42.0%
- Rebounds: 4.1 per game
- Assists: 2.7 per game
This season, Sharpe has refined his shot selection, taking only 33% of his attempts from beyond the arc. He has also solidified his position as a dynamic scorer around the rim, boasting a remarkable accuracy rate of 67.9%. Moreover, he drives to the basket an average of 11.3 times per game, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output.
Defensive Improvements and Recognition
Last season, Sharpe faced criticism for his defensive performances and was benched due to inconsistencies. However, he has shown notable improvement this year. His steal rate has increased from 1.1% to 2.1%, positioning him 12th among combo guards. Although his block rate remains relatively low, his focus on perimeter defense and generating fast break points has been commendable.
Sharpe’s contributions have been recognized within the league, earning him nominations for the December Player of the Month. His partnership with fellow player Deni Avdija has become essential for the team’s scoring, especially given the current injury struggles within the roster.
Looking Ahead
Sharpe’s decision to lock in a long-term contract appears wise, as it circumvents the uncertainty of restricted free agency. The Blazers made a prudent move by securing him on a manageable deal, considering his growth potential. At only 22 years old, Sharpe has shown significant maturity and skill development, making him a player to watch as he continues to evolve into a key contributor for the franchise.
With ongoing improvements, both Sharpe and the Trail Blazers can be optimistic about their future together in the NBA.
