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5 second-year NBA players ready to take the leap this season

By Jakob Ashlin

Oct 28, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Houston Rockets power forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) shoots the ball against Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) during the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shaedon Sharpe
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe dunks the ball in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Second-year NBA players ready to take the leap: 3. Shaedon Sharpe

Sharpe’s athleticism, shooting touch, and finishing ability give him the potential to be the best player in the 2022 draft class. However, he came into the league as a raw 19-year-old prospect with no college experience. The upside was there, but the Portland Trail Blazers would have to be patient.

As a rookie, Sharpe showed off all the elite traits that made him a lottery pick. He habitually utilized his athleticism and vertical to challenge defenders at the rim, coming away with an array of highlight dunks.

Sharpe was a solid shooter for a rookie, converting on 36.0 percent of his 3-point attempts.

The Blazers are expected to trade away Damian Lillard and shift towards a rebuild around Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Sharpe. If the Lillard trade does indeed happen, look for Sharpe to play an increased role in year two.

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