3 best and worst moves by Blazers’ GM Joe Cronin so far

Feb 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell (24) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Green (8) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Norman Powell (24) shoots against Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Green (8) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 6
Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers, Photo by: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers, Photo by: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Shaedon Sharpe was a draft day slam dunk

Cronin’s best move so far was drafting Shaedon Sharpe, a player with the potential to become a future star.

After the Blazers’ disappointing 2021-2022 season, they were primed to have a lottery pick. While the Blazers didn’t get as lucky as the Sacramento Kings, who moved up from the seventh pick to the fourth pick in the NBA draft lottery, they did make a strong pick at No. 7.

Sharpe has looked electric in his first season. At just 19 years old, he has appeared in 67 games while shooting a strong 47.4 percent from the field and throwing down highlight-reel dunks. His future is very bright; he can either grow into a star with the Blazers or be used to acquire a star in the offseason.