Portland Has A Problem With Shaedon Sharpe’s Role

Sharpe’s Role is a New Challenge for the Young Guard

Even though Sharpe has superstar potential, the defensive issues are problematic. Sharpe could become a rock-solid defender, but he needed a catalyst to boost his defensive performance. Billups’ plan is to motivate him to earn his spot back by changing Sharpe’s role to being an improved defender.

This is a brand-new challenge for the 21-year-old. Sharpe has played lax defense most of the time but has become more engaged since the demotion. With continued improvements in defense, the long-term plan of building around Henderson and Sharpe can continue. They had a strong stretch with him on the bench, winning 10 out of 11 games. But most Blazers fans would want Shaedon as a centerpiece.

Since he is only 21, this is a good sign for Sharpe. He is showing his commitment to playing for the Trail Blazers, but it needs to be more consistent. Billups will likely commit to this decision because he still has the same personnel. Anfernee Simons, Deni Avdija, and Toumani Camara deserve their starting spots, and Sharpe can keep working his way back.

Of course, it is still worrying because Sharpe is in his third season under Billups. General manager Joe Cronin also needs to make an impact because he did not make moves during the trade deadline. This will likely involve trades that set up the future around Henderson and Sharpe.

Lack of Commitment to Henderson and Sharpe

The change to Sharpe’s role and the ascension of Henderson is vital to Portland’s future. They have a few veterans who are all key pieces as welll like Simons, Jerami Grant, and Deandre Ayton. However, they might not be the best players for a rebuild.

After a deadline with no trades, the Portland front office is comfortable keeping them around. That was a sign that the team is trusting the long-term process. Trades will be available during the summer, which could finally open the door for Henderson and Sharpe.

Portland has found its long-term wings with Avdija and Camara. Building chemistry with Henderson and Sharpe should be a priority, but development is still important. With the Blazers being surprisingly competitive in the 2024-25 season, avoiding the tank could be a valuable experience for them.

It is valid for the Blazers’ fans to worry about the team’s future with the role changes. This includes Donovan Clingan, Henderson, and Sharpe, all brilliant players with bright futures. The team must commit to them because they could become the championship core in the long run. Combine that with a high selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, and the Blazers could compete.

The front office must commit and pull the trigger on trades. Shipping players like Simons and Grant out is the first step towards that bright future. Billups’ plan for Sharpe can work out, but that might be out of his hands in the long term.