Shaedon Sharpe has been a reason to smile for the Portland Trail Blazers through the first three weeks of the NBA season. The expectation on the sophomore wing rose considerably during the offseason after he enjoyed a successful end to the 2022-23 campaign.
Fortunately for all involved, Sharpe has risen to the challenge, showing overt growth on each side of the floor, both as a sixth man and starter. Through eight games he’s averaged 19.9 points on 36 percent from three, 5.3 boards, 2.9 assists, 1.0 steal and 0.8 blocks.
During the preseason, I suggested Sharpe and Anfernee Simons’ chances of winning Most Improved Player were low given the fact that Blazers weren’t going to be very good.