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Blazers Have Future Star on the Roster

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Pocholo Magsino | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 11:38 AM ET

After a slow start to the 2025-26 season, Shaedon Sharpe has been better in the past few games. It has not led to many wins, but the potential is there to stand out in Tiago Splitter’s system. Deni Avdija’s rise is also a great development for the team, as they seek out their future star.

Sharpe is Finally Showing Why He is a Future Trail Blazers Star

In the Portland Trail Blazers’ latest loss to the Orlando Magic, Shaedon Sharpe was the standout player. He scored 31 points on solid efficiency at 66.7% from the field and 60% from beyond the arc.

Across Sharpe’s past five games, the 22-year-old guard has averaged 22.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals a night. This is what people have been waiting for from Sharpe, as people see him as the future Blazers star.

He has been around since the 2022-23 season, which makes him the longest-tenured Blazer alongside Jerami Grant. Matisse Thybulle is the only other holdover, considering Damian Lillard only made his return in the 2025 offseason. Now that he is back, Sharpe has his veteran back to guide him.

The Blazers Star Role is Up For Grabs

Even though Lillard is back in the Blazers organization, it is fair to expect that the team needs another star. Sharpe has experience playing in the same backcourt as Lillard, but Scoot Henderson is also part of the plans.

Anyone can take over the future star role in Portland, but it is challenging to elevate into that role. Deni Avdija’s rise has made it easier for some people to deem him the next man up.

Lillard was a natural star for the longest time because he had all the qualities. Sharpe has the star-level talent, but he has not unlocked all the qualities needed from the cornerstone of Splitter’s system.

In the game against Orlando, Sharpe showcased his all-around ability. He is more of an active defender. Sharpe is more aggressive with his man-to-man defense and is a hound in the passing lanes. After his shooting struggles, Shaedon has also made it a point to drive.

SHAE + 1 pic.twitter.com/wTq70Qjaan

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 11, 2025

He is one of the league’s most athletic players; he needs to be more of a slasher. By doing that, it opens opportunities to utilize his shot-making ability with step-backs and pull-ups. He is the key to improving the Blazers’ offensive struggles and becoming the Blazers star player.

Portland is Still Adjusting to Splitter’s System

The Trail Blazers have grown accustomed to playing under Chauncey Billups’ system, so they became more familiar with his preferences. Splitter is now the Blazers’ acting head coach amid the Billups news.

It has been a jarring change for some, especially with Splitter’s substitution patterns. Billups showed that he was also doing it in his lone game, but Splitter has taken it up a notch.

Sharpe is one of Portland’s starters, but he only plays around four to five minutes to start the game. Jerami Grant would usually replace him, and Sharpe would return to the game in the last minute or two of the first quarter.

Players like Sharpe struggle to get their rhythm with those minutes. His calf issue contributed to his struggles, but he has recovered. However, the recent games have shown that Sharpe can be the Blazers star people are looking for.

Avdija’s Rise Should Motivate Sharpe and Other Blazers

Apart from Sharpe, Avdija has been a standout for the Blazers. In fact, he has been Portland’s best player in the 2025-26 season. He is averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game on decent efficiency.

He has shown that he could be the future Blazers star. Avdija is not a Blazers draftee, but he has grown into a gem. His rise should motivate the rest of the team to step up and prove that they are better than Deni.

Cool Shaedon pass
Perfect Deni lob
Amazing DC dunk pic.twitter.com/1RPd4Q9Mt5

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 11, 2025

Sharpe is the best candidate for this because he has the potential to usurp Avdija on offense. During that game against the Magic, Sharpe was clearly the best player on the floor despite Avdija’s numbers.

If Sharpe or even Henderson showcase their talents at their peak potential, either one could be the next Blazers star. It will be challenging, but Splitter’s system allows people to maximize their skills.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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