Prediction: Shaedon Sharpe
Sharpe took the league by storm following the All-Star break and should continue to build on his stellar play going into next season with an increased role. After all, there’s a reason Sharpe was the No. 1 overall recruit in the class of 2022 before he decided to reclassify.
Of the three players, Sharpe is the one who has the ideal combination of shooting, size and athleticism. Henderson can get to the rim at will, yet he has some questions surrounding his shooting. Simons is an excellent shooter, yet is capped athletically in terms of his frame.
Meanwhile, Sharpe possesses all the necessary tools to become a star in the league. He has extremely high potential as a multi-level scorer, which could make him an all-star sooner rather than later.
Shaedon Sharpe is a freakish athlete but his game is just so pure 🥶 This combo of skill, movement and explosiveness is a recipe for greatness. Special kid. pic.twitter.com/q2zhVvwoWk
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) August 5, 2023
The talent, athleticism and work ethic are all there. Sharpe had a much better season than his 9.9 points per game suggests.
However, aspects of Sharpe’s game still need improving as he enters his second year. As previously mentioned, he was negative defensively and seemed out of place at times. Sharpe also needs to improve as a playmaker, as he averaged nearly a 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season.
Sharpe has all the traits to become an elite scorer in the league. If he can hone his playmaking and utilize his athleticism to improve defensively, there’s undoubtedly a pathway for Sharpe to become the Trail Blazers’ next best player.
Five years from now, he will be on the cusp of entering his prime at age 25. It will be a pleasure to watch Sharpe’s development between now and then as the Blazers begin to embrace this team’s new era.