While an era, that of Damian Lillard, will soon end in Portland, a new one, that of Shaedon Sharpe, will open at the same time. Selected by Blazers with the 7th choice in the 2022 Draft before signing an imperfect but encouraging rookie season, the Canadian dunker is indeed preparing for a very different second campaign.
“ The offseason went well, I’m happy to be back [à la salle d’entrainement des Blazers]. We play little matches between us, and I see my progress “, thus summarized the young talent from Portland. “ Last year, I jumped into the deep end, I prepared for the Draft. This year it’s more relaxing, I just have more time to focus on basketball. »
The face of a new era in Oregon
In a team ready to part with its icon of the last decade to begin a necessary reconstruction, the native of London, Ontario, is obviously expected to be more in the spotlight.
“ I think next season I will be able to contribute even more, because I have a year of experience behind me now », he adds. “ Able to help win more matches, and able to be more of a leader, too, especially with our new ones, Scoot [Henderson]Rayan [Rupert] and Kris [Murray]. »
“ Yes, I thought about it a little. It will undoubtedly be an opportunity for me to be more mobilized, to involve my teammates more and to put more pressure on the defense », Continues the explosive back of the Blazers, well aware that he will carry the ball more often next season. “ I am ready to accept greater responsibilities. I am much more confident compared to last season. I had my baptism of fire. »
It now remains for the Canadian outfielder to take flight. As a full-time incumbent? “ I think it’s realistic, but above all I want the best balance for the team. », admits Shaedon Sharpe, who should indeed without much doubt inherit the starting back position at the start of the school year.
Alongside which (young) leader? With the upcoming departure of Damian Lillard, the position will be played between Anfernee Simons and rookie Scoot Henderson. Unless the three young backs start games together.
The Canadian selection in the back of his mind
For Shaedon Sharpe, no preference. “ We get along very well with ‘Ant’, off the field. And on the ground I have the feeling that our cohesion is already very good. It’s going to be fun to play a new season with him, and nice to see », Adds the short-lived former Kentucky player. “ Same thing with Scoot, we built automatisms throughout the offseason, because he hadn’t played much in Summer League. The three of us are going to have a blast. »
Finally, Shaedon Sharpe also spoke about Canada’s excellent campaign at the World Cup, concluded at the beginning of the month by Jordi Fernandez’s men with a bronze medal around their neck and above all a qualification, for the first time since 2000, for the Olympic Games next summer in Paris.
“ I followed the match between the United States in particular, they ensured “, concluded the Canadian nugget of the Blazers, even before applying for the summer of 2024. “ I think about it yes. I haven’t been invited yet, but if I am I won’t pass up this opportunity. To be continued, we will see… »
| Shaedon Sharpe | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2022-23 | POR | 80 | 22 | 47.2 | 36.0 | 71.4 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 9.9 |
| Total | 80 | 22 | 47.2 | 36.0 | 71.4 | 0.8 | 2.2 | 3.0 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 9.9 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
