For weeks it was rumored that the Blazers would probably trade their 7th draft pick in order to recover a veteran player who could have an immediate impact and help the team in its quest to find the playoffs, and even to play the contenders.
“We discussed some trades, and it didn’t work out. said the GM Joe Cronin.
But finally a few days before the draft, he began to think that Portland might finally select a prospect and several insiders reported strong interest in Shaedon Sharpe, yet the most mysterious prospect. It was finally him that the Oregon franchise decided to select.
“At the end of the day, we’re just incredibly excited to have Shaedon Sharpe on our program,” GM Joe Cronin said. “In terms of talent, I think his future is as bright as any of the players we considered with a bit more experience. »
Cronin hopes Sharpe can help from his rookie season, in a backcup role behind the backcourt Damian Lillard – Anfernee Simons. But it’s hard to say what impact he could have, he who hasn’t played at all all season and made a jump from high school to the NBA.
“I think he’s got enough talent to play right away,” Cronin said. “And I’m sure he’ll have a few minutes. I don’t know how many. He will have to earn them. We have a good team with good players in his position. »
The choice of the Blazers is a very big bet, even if Sharpe’s talent is undeniable, especially offensively, because defensively there are huge deficiencies that he will have to settle to have playing time. of high school and having seen him at work in person, where he notably seduced Damian Lillard, the Blazers were convinced.
“That’s what built our base,” Cronin said of all the high school games they’ve seen. “And then, throughout the pre-draft process, luckily you have fairly wide access to players, whether it’s at the Combine or here. »
Sharpe came to Portland for a workout 10 days ago and impressed the Blazers with his grit and competitiveness, hallmarks Coach Chauncey Billups demands.
“The way he fought through those workouts really opened our eyes to his potential,” Cronin said. “He was solid in defense and could not be disturbed in attack. We found his overall behavior very impressive. »
We must hope for the Blazers a development at Anfernee Simons, he who had gone directly from high school to the NBA without playing in the NCAA since he had preferred to be at the IMG Academy than to play with Louisville. At the time it was said that if Simons had finally played in the NCAA, he would have been drafted much higher than this 24th place, and with time this is confirmed. Portland thinks it’s the same with Sharpe.
“It’s funny Chauncey brought up the same thing,” Cronin explained. “He said you can get these guys back the year before they blow up or before they take a big leap forward. That’s a big part of the draft. That’s a big part of what player development is, where you’re just trying to be ahead, ahead of that next step. »
Time will tell if the Blazers made the right call.
Via Oregonian
