Damian Lillard praises Shaedon Sharpe: ‘The talent is off the charts’

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Portland Trail Blazers rookie Shaedon Sharpe basically hasn’t played basketball in a competitive setting in nearly a year, but the seventh pick is impressing those around him in the NBA.

Sharpe was the top high school recruit in 2022 before reclassifying to enroll at Kentucky early. He ultimately never suited up for the Wildcats but was still viewed as a lottery pick given his potential and overall skill set, despite not playing.

The 19-year-old appeared in the Las Vegas Summer League with the Trail Blazers, logging just five minutes before suffering a shoulder injury. He was eventually shut down, which further added to the intrigue and mystery of his game.

He last played in high school in 2021.

Despite a lack of recent tape, Sharpe still possesses immense potential that forced the Trail Blazers to take him high in the draft. He has since impressed his teammates in open workouts over the summer, including six-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard.

I think the talent is off the charts. When I watch him work out, everything is just easy for him. … But I really like his disposition. He is always calm. When I watch him, I always think, ‘What if I was 18 or 19 years old and I had to just jump onto an NBA team?’ I don’t know what that would look like.

I’d probably be out there looking crazy but he fits in and he is just trying to find his way. I think the types of questions he asks. He listens, he shows up every day. I think when you take the talent and how he is as a person, when it connects, I think he could make a huge difference for our team.

Lillard previously praised the potential of Sharpe in July and, like a lot of fans and onlookers, was curious to see how he’d perform in Las Vegas. Through the ups and downs, though, Lillard has given Sharpe plenty of tips and advice since joining the team.

Sharpe called Lillard a great mentor.

He has taught me a lot, just my pace with the game, how to get my teammates involved and how to score. But it is crazy, though. When you’re playing with him, he is teaching you why you’re playing (3-on-3) or (5-on-5). He is a great mentor to have and a great player and person.

It is unclear how much Sharpe will play to start the season. He will likely need some time to get adjusted to the system and new teammates, but he will have the opportunity to get acclimated in training camp ahead of their preseason opener on Monday.

The wait is nearly over to watch Sharpe in a competitive setting. The collective basketball community has been eager to see him take the court, and it should be worth watching after the recent comments by Lillard.

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Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire