Blazers' dynamic duo cracks the top ten
Had 24-year-old players been in consideration, the Blazers likely would have fallen outside of the top ten. The Pelicans duo of Williamson and Trey Murphy III and the Cavaliers duo of Evan Mobley and Garland both would have found their way on this list, pushing the Blazers down to No. 11. Nonetheless, Portland's backcourt duo of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe comes in at No. 9.
9. Scoot Henderson & Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers are at the start of the next tier, as all of the duos ahead of Portland have at least one more established player than the Blazers' tandem. In terms of upside, Henderson and Sharpe could arguably be closer to the top six duos in the league. But neither player has had a breakout season yet.
Many expected Sharpe to have one last year following his impressive end to his rookie campaign. Still, he was limited to only 32 games after undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury. Hopefully, one or both of Henderson and Sharpe will have productive seasons in 2024-25 and make the case to be higher on this list.
They have a great opportunity next season in what should be an increased role following the departure of Malcolm Brogdon. One hurdle remaining in their development is Anfernee Simons, as one of Scoot or Sharpe will likely have to come off the bench. Still, there are plenty of minutes to distribute between the three guards, regardless of who ultimately gets that second guard spot in the starting lineup.