Re-drafting 2022 NBA class: Where does Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe land?

It’s still too early to tell how the 2022 NBA Draft class prospects' careers will pan out. But, now two seasons into the league, it’s already shaping up to be a strong cohort. The standout names in this year’s draft include No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero and the two Oklahoma City Thunder prospects, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. All three players mentioned were top ten in The Ringer’s recent article ranking the top 25 NBA players age 25 and under.

One name that didn’t make the list is Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe. Portland's rising star had his sophomore campaign limited to only 32 games due to injury but has already shown flashes of All-Star potential. Sharpe was the No. 7 overall pick in the draft after entering despite not playing a single collegiate game at Kentucky. The Blazers took a swing on the high-flying guard, and it’s already looking like an excellent pick despite Sharpe not yet reaching his prime.

Re-drafting the 2022 NBA Draft

No. 1: Orlando Magic - Chet Holmgren

Original pick: Paolo Banchero

You could make a case for three players to be the top pick, but Holmgren gets the nod due to his skill set, which perfectly embodies a modern-day NBA center. His efficiency, rim protection, and ability to space the floor contribute to winning in multiple aspects.

No. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder - Paolo Banchero

Original pick: Chet Holmgren

Banchero is already building an impressive NBA resume, following up his Rookie of the Year season with an All-Star appearance this year. The Thunder would be thrilled to get Banchero and his well-rounded game as a point forward at No. 2.

No. 3: Houston Rockets - Jalen Williams

Original pick: Jabari Smith Jr.

Jalen Williams makes the most significant jump in the re-draft, going from No. 12 to No. 3. Williams would be a centerpiece of the Rockets’ rebuild with his elite ability to contribute both on and off the ball as a highly efficient playmaker and shooter.

No. 4: Sacramento Kings - Jabari Smith Jr.

Original pick: Keegan Murray

Pick No. 4 starts the second tier of players, but the Kings still get a great prospect in Jabari Smith Jr. He’s the archetype NBA teams covet as a 6-foot-11 three-and-D forward who improved to 36.3 percent from three this season. He'd be a great addition next to Sabonis in the Kings' frontcourt and give them more length without compromising shooting.

No. 5: Detroit Pistons - Keegan Murray

Original pick: Jaden Ivey

Now 23, Iowa forward Keegan Murray is one of the older prospects in this draft class. However, he continues to get better and has emerged as one of the focal points in the Kings’ offense. He would be great in a similar role with the Pistons and provide floor spacing for Cade Cunningham to operate. 

No. 6: Indiana Pacers - Shaedon Sharpe

Original pick: Bennedict Mathurin

Shaedon Sharpe winds up at No. 6 to the Indiana Pacers. The backcourt duo of Sharpe and Tyrese Haliburton would be intriguing due to Haliburton’s passing and Sharpe’s athleticism and slashing ability. 

In this scenario, The Blazers would likely take a center such as Jalen Duren or Walker Kessler next at pick No. 7. But for the Pacers, Sharpe’s upside as a go-to scorer with elite athleticism is too tantalizing to pass up.

Sharpe seems ready for a significant third-year breakout. He could go as high as pick No. 4 as early as next year if he can tap into his All-Star potential and become a more consistent shooter.