The Portland Trail Blazers are quickly approaching a tipping point with how to move forward with Shaedon Sharpe. The 22-year-old is now extension eligible, entering the final year of his rookie-scale contract with no obvious decision in the franchise’s path.
I’m a huge fan of the idea of Sharpe but the reality is a little more complicated. The struggle is a conflict between lackadaisical body language and periods of jaw-dropping talent, a dichotomy that has us posing more questions than answers.
A comprehensive evaluation of Sharpe has been further compromised by the fact that he missed 50 games his sophomore season. The absence not only hindered Sharpe’s development, it also prevented us from observing him alongside his teammates.
Through no fault of his own, we’re also yet to see how Sharpe performs on a team with a winning record. Generating highlight plays is great for reels but until you see him in real match-winning-or-losing situations, any evaluation is incomplete.
Today we discuss the factors to be considered by Blazers General Manager Joe Cronin before making a call on Sharpe.
Sharpe’s Game
Sharpe has gradually built and refined his offensive skillset through 184 games. Last season, the young wing averaged 18.5 points on 45.2 percent from the field, 4.5 boards and 2.8 assists. Decent production but it still felt there was more to give with Sharpe often deferring to others, including the recently-traded Anfernee Simons.
During the 2024-25 campaign, Cleaning the Glass classified Sharpe as a combo guard. While I disagree with the categorization, he did rank 11th in two-point shots among such players at 55.6 percent and eighth in accuracy at the rim at 71.3 percent.
Those numbers indicate an elite ability to score within the arc with real efficiency finishing at the rim, regardless of whether it’s a dunk or layup. Sharpe’s otherworldly athleticism allows him to pick his spots and convert with what appears to be relative ease.
From beyond the arc, it’s unfortunately a different story. Sharpe averaged a poor-ish 31.2 percent on 6.6 attempts a game, hitting 30.1 percent from above the break and 36.5 percent from the corner.
This young Blazers team is in desperate need of outside shooting, particularly from the backcourt, with Scoot Henderson also being an average long-range launcher.
On the other side of the ball, there are also concerns. Sharpe was unceremoniously benched for a lack of defensive effort last season. He returned with an increased focus on that end but given the initial ineffectiveness, I’ll be watching for any regression.
Perhaps, his biggest flaw is the fact that for stretches of time, he goes missing. In some cases you actually forget he’s on the floor. Whether it’s disengagement or disinterest, I don’t know. But Sharpe needs to be a 48-minute-a-game player, serving as a key piece moving forward.
He appears to have the tools and the motor to be impactful, I just wonder whether it’s all above the shoulders.
Positional Situation
The Blazers have multiple options at almost all five positions. Despite what Basketball Reference might have you think, Toumani Camara regularly appeared at shooting guard last season. The Belgian’s 37.5 percent from three on 4.6 attempts showed he was more than capable of serving as a 3 and D option. And with his defensive versatility and length, Camara at the two makes the Blazers extra difficult to get around on that end of the floor.
However, in theory, Camara isn’t the offensive player Sharpe is when the Canadian is engaged. Sharpe needs to ensure he’s the first choice at shooting guard by increasing output on both ends of the floor. If he doesn’t, this team still looks pretty formidable on the defensive end with a player of Camara’s size in the backcourt.
But it means Sharpe has failed to meet expectations.
Extension
The first pick in Sharpe’s draft was Paolo Banchero. The Orlando Magic just handed the former Duke star a five-year, $239 million extension that could get as high as $287 million. Second pick Chet Holmgren also signed an extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder that could earn him up to $250 million over five years. That’s a lot of money for two young athletic bigs who are probably worth it.
Conversely, third pick Jabari Smith Jr. penned a more modest five-year, $122 million extension. While it’s heck of a lot more palatable, I’d still be reluctant giving Sharpe a Smith-sized deal, given the inconsistent engagement discussed above.
Not to mention the current CBA, which is forcing franchises to think twice about doling out real money.
If a Sharpe extension was to get done, which I think is unlikely right now, the Blazers should probably steer clear of big commitments.
Restricted Free Agency
The prudent move would be to let Sharpe get another season under his belt, offering him the qualifying offer and letting the market set his price. It’s also another 82 games for Sharpe to develop.
While you always want the player to get as much money as possible, the Blazers know all too well how restrictive negative contracts can be on future flexibility. Blowing future cap space on someone who’s not ready to meet that amount would be tricky to stomach.
If Sharpe has a good year, a number of teams project to have real cap room next summer. But given Portland’s right to match any offer sheet, it’s probably the smartest move right now.
Trade
It’s unlikely to happen but the Blazers shouldn’t be averse to moving Sharpe for the right price. As I’ve written before, the Canadian could be the piece that helps get the Blazers their difference-maker via trade.
Ultimately, I still think the Blazers give Sharpe his next contract but my gut tells me he’s not untouchable if the right deal materializes. Though the return would have to be needle moving, considering Sharpe’s talent. We’re talking All Star or near-All Star talent coming back to Oregon.
This Coming Season
Shaedon Sharpe is one of the Blazers brightest young stars. But the young Canadian needs to prove that he can be a key and consistent contributor on a competitive team.
For him to do that, the Blazers need him scoring 23-plus points a night. He also needs to spread the floor, which means that three-point rate needs to rise. With Anfernee Simons gone, Sharpe has the runway to be someone this roster relies on to put points on the board.
He needs to be a presence, ensuring watchers are aware that he’s on the court at all times. It doesn’t mean he needs to increase his usage, but Sharpe does need to be active every second he’s on the floor and on both ends of the court.
The Blazers are on the clock when it comes to Sharpe’s future. As much as I believe in the enigmatic wing, the franchise would be irresponsible giving him anything more than $20 million a year right now. Not because he’s not necessarily worth it, but because he’s yet to prove he can be his best on a regular basis.
It’s a shame we’re three years in and still don’t have a clear read on what Sharpe is. But right now, it probably makes sense for both the Blazers and Sharpe to give it another season before taking that next step.