Shaedon Sharpe, a young star for the Portland Trail Blazers, concluded December boasting an impressive 44% shooting percentage from beyond the three-point line. However, fans are now witnessing a troubling regression as Sharpe has struggled with his shooting, hitting only 16.7% from deep in his last two games.
In a recent matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, the Blazers managed to secure a win despite Sharpe’s off night. The absence of superstar Victor Wembanyama, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, may have contributed to the outcome, but Sharpe’s performance left much to be desired. He recorded merely six points, three rebounds, and three assists, struggling with a shooting line of 3-of-16 and missing all four of his attempts from three-point range.
Sharpe’s potential was expected to shine in this contest, especially since the Spurs relied on Luke Kornet for rim protection. Kornet stepped up impressively, scoring 23 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and blocking five shots, playing a significant role in limiting Sharpe’s impact. The young guard’s shooting woes raise concerns about his game as the season progresses.
Despite these challenges, Sharpe’s value remains noteworthy, underscored by a four-year, $90 million extension that reflects his potential. However, for him to become a true offensive threat, especially as the NBA increasingly values three-point shooting, improvement in this area is crucial. Over the last four seasons, his three-point shooting has consistently hovered around 33%, a statistic that the Blazers must consider as they strategize for the future.
With the February 5 trade deadline approaching and the expected return of teammates Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday, Sharpe’s role on the team may be scrutinized. Currently, he leads the team with a 31.4% usage rate, even surpassing fellow teammate Deni Avdija. While the team has relied heavily on Sharpe due to injuries, this arrangement is not sustainable if he does not enhance his shooting ability.
The future looks pivotal for both Sharpe and the Blazers as they navigate this critical stretch of the season. Could Sharpe eventually find a more suitable role as a sixth man for a playoff-bound team? This possibility may be concerning for Blazers fans who see his potential as a core player. However, there is still hope that Sharpe can refine his game and establish himself as a three-level scoring threat, alleviating any uncertainties surrounding his future.
Sharpe’s next chance to turn things around comes on January 5, when the Blazers face off against the Utah Jazz at the Moda Center. The outcome of this game could be influential in shaping the trajectory of his season.