Grading the play of the Trail Blazers who were handed bigger roles in 2023

Shaedon Sharpe: A+

There’s no competition for which Blazer was most impressive in their minutes without the core of the team. With scoring performances that rank as some of the best in recent rookie memory, maintaining efficiency while taking on a much larger shot diet, and continuing to showcase the type of athletic profile that could make him a star, Shaedon Sharpe has been everything for the Blazers over the past few weeks.

All of the various flashes have clicked for Sharpe since he got to play with the ball in his hands more, averaging 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on shooting splits of 46/38/77.

He’s continued to terrorize rims, glide for plays, and be the most highlight-worthy player in Portland. Unlike earlier in the season, however, he’s backing it up with sustained stretches of high-level play.

Performances from lottery teams in March and April can sometimes lie, but with how drastically different Sharpe has looked for the Blazers, he’s changed the ceiling for the team with the many roles he could now play.

Portland has a good problem on its hands next year with its guards as the Blazers now have three players worthy of starting for two positions. There may not be much of a discussion, however, if Sharpe stays on this star trajectory and keeps slamming expectations through the rim on fast breaks.