Predicting the Blazers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason

The Portland Trail Blazers could have a promising starting lineup entering the 2024-25 NBA season if all the cards fall into place.

Mar 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14)
Mar 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Shooting guard: Shaedon Sharpe

Like Henderson, the Blazers don't need to make a move to shake up their other guard position. They already have their long-term answer in Shaedon Sharpe. After an extremely promising finish to his rookie season, Sharpe had a disappointing sophomore campaign. He was limited to only 32 games after a core muscle surgery.

Sharpe improved his per-game numbers from 9.9 points as a rookie to 15.9 points last season. But that isn't as impressive considering that his opportunity and role increased from 22 to 33 minutes a game, and his three-point efficiency dipped from 36 to 33 percent. Still, Sharpe is only 20 years old. He could have a significant third-year breakout that many were anticipating this season.

The only somewhat worrisome aspect of Sharpe's game is his shooting, especially in this lineup. The Blazers need to get drastically better at shooting in general. But, for the Henderson-Sharpe backcourt duo to work optimally, Sharpe needs to be an above-average three-point shooter at least. They both love to utilize their athleticism - Henderson with his drives and Sharpe with his cuts. It's crucial that they can space the floor to optimize each other's offensive strengths.

With the Blazers in no rush to win now, their perfect starting lineup going into next season includes their rising star, Sharpe. This Henderson and Sharpe backcourt may have some growing pains, but that's the point. 

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