Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers rookie dubbed by Vince Carter

The nickname “Air Canada” is already taken. And it’s a shame as he could fit like a glove to the Canadian and aerial rookie of the Blazers, Shaedon Sharpe. But his owner, a certain Vince Carter, did not fail to notice the performances of the young 19-year-old back from Portland.

On ESPN, the former Raptors superstar actually chose an action by Shaedon Sharpe, against Houston, as the best dunk of the last week, justifying his choice in particular by explaining that the rookie from Rip City was part of an exclusive caste of players who can reach the “upper room”.

Invited to “the room above”!

“When you can look the circle straight in the eye, you can reach the room above”deciphered a Vince Carter captivated by this take-off as powerful as it is elegant. “When you manage to get your own teammates and the public to react like that, it’s because you’re already at a very high level! »

For his part, Shaedon Sharpe could only smile at the mention of his illustrious elder, whom he admired growing up in Toronto. Rather shy off the court, the native of Ontario prefers to let his game do the talking, averaging 9 points and 3 rebounds so far.

“It’s kind of nice to know that Vince Carter saw the video. [de mon dunk]. He is one of the most explosive players in history in my opinion. It was cool to see his reaction”said Shaedon Sharpe on the Blazers website. “Kid, I watched him play [avec les Raptors] and achieve incredible actions. I really studied his game, especially with his athletic qualities. »

Vince Carter but also Brandon Roy

With six of his first nine games finished at 10 or more points, Shaedon Sharpe is not only a leaping athlete who can bang his head on an alley-oop sent by (the no less leaping) Keon Johnson, but he’s above all a player. basketball player with innate talent. Enough to inspire two comparisons to his coach, Chauncey Billups…

“It’s crazy what I’m going to say, but honestly, he reminds me a bit of Brandon Roy. With his way of playing at his own pace and with his elegance. And then, Brandon was also more athletic than we wanted to say. [Sharpe] manages to go to his spots. You can’t really get him out of his rhythm.”adds the coach in the Oregonian. “But he also reminds me of Vince Carter, just because of his athleticism, his poise, his grace. They are obviously two huge players [à qui je le compare] because Vince should end up in the Hall of Fame. But he does have that kind of potential. »

Like Shawn Kemp who had almost also worn the colors of Kentucky, Shaedon Sharpe is, so to speak, passed directly from high school to the NBA. Like its predecessor, the Canadian phenomenon first impresses with its jump. But he has more to offer as part of a once again ambitious Blazers team.

“Now it’s up to Dame, me, his teammates, the staff to teach him the ropes, show him how to play and how to study the guys he’s going to come up against,” concludes Chauncey Billups. “How to get to know them. That’s what can take it to the next level. But he is a young talent apart. »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrEvAtaHX4E