NBA mock draft: Kentucky's Shaedon Sharpe polarizing prospect in 2022 NBA draft

Several players with Arizona connections are expected to be selected in the 2022 NBA draft and former Glendale Dream City Christian standout Shaedon Sharpe is among them.

Sharpe never played at Kentucky after playing one season at Dream City Christian.

He's been projected to go anywhere from about No. 4 in the NBA draft to low in the lottery.

Many NBA draft analysts rave about his athleticism and potential on the court, but big questions surround the guard after he never played for the Wildcats.

The Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7 and the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 8 are current trendy possible landing spots for the guard in 2022 NBA draft projections.

Where will Sharpe be picked in the 2022 NBA draft on June 23?

Check out what recent NBA mock drafts are saying:

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Bleacher Report: Shaedon Sharpe lands with New Orleans Pelicans at No. 8 (but could go as high as No. 4)

Jonathan Wasserman writes: "If a surprise name can shake up the top four, we're hearing it is Sharpe. There is some buzz about a team in the top four showing extra interest, though it is difficult to picture him going that high, considering general managers are evaluating Sharpe on 2021 AAU tape and workouts. The Sacramento Kings would make the most sense, given how his shooting/shot-making would fit next to De'Aaron Fox. He's in the conversation for the Detroit Pistons at No. 5 and likely every team picking sixth to 10th. It's difficult to picture him getting past both the San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards."

CBS Sports: Shaedon Sharpe goes to Washington Wizards at No. 10

Kyle Boone writes: "There's no doubt Sharpe has an incredible pedigree -- he was the No. 1 recruit in his class before enrolling at Kentucky -- but he comes with some risk, too, reflected here with a drop to No. 10. We haven't seen him in a competitive environment since he played on the EYBL circuit and there's a ton of mystery surrounding him. That said, at No. 10, the downtrodden Wizards would be wise to take the gamble on his star potential. Chances he's still on the board here are pretty low, but as the draft approaches it does feel as if his stock is slipping a tad."

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SB Nation: Shaedon Sharpe taken by Indiana Pacers at No. 6

Ricky O'Donnell writes: "The Pacers famously loathe the idea of tanking, and Sharpe feels like the type of prospect a team only gets by doing exactly that. Sharpe didn’t play a second at Kentucky after enrolling mid-season, but he has prototypical tools for a wing with a sky-high offensive ceiling. If the Pacers want to roll the dice on upside, Sharpe is a logical pick if he’s still on the board at No. 6."

New York Post: Shaedon Sharpe picked by New Orleans Pelicans at No. 8

Zack Braziller writes: "If Holmgren is the most talked-about prospect in this draft, Sharpe is the biggest question mark. He was a big-time high school prospect — 247Sports.com ranked him third nationally — who didn’t play in college last year after enrolling at Kentucky in January. Essentially, he’s going straight from high school to the NBA, making this pick a gamble."

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Sports Illustrated: Shaedon Sharpe selected by Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12

Brett Siegel writes: "Already having Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr. or Paolo Banchero at this point, the Thunder and GM Sam Presti can look to get aggressive with this 12th overall selection and really dig in on their philosophy of building for the future. No player fits this mindset better than Shaedon Sharpe and him still being on the board here would be a miracle situation for the Thunder, as Sharpe is someone that the team really liked when they brought him in for a pre-draft workout recently. While he is still a big unknown given that he is making the jump from high school to the NBA without playing a single minute of collegiate basketball, Sharpe has the tools to be an elite-level scorer in time."

NBA Draft Room: Shaedon Sharpe heads to New Orleans Pelicans at No. 8

It writes: "Shaedon Sharpe has the upside of a top 5 pick but is one of the mystery men of the draft. If he falls to 8 it would be great value for the Pelicans."

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NBAdraft.net: Shaedon Sharpe ends up with Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7

It writes: "Possesses immense upside but questions arose about his competitiveness and desire during his high school career … Has an extremely impressive highlight reel from his high school performances … Coach Calipari gave him the stamp of approval saying Sharpe would be the (2023) number one pick if he were to return to Kentucky next season … Has as high of a ceiling as any wing in this class with the explosiveness and talent to become a franchise player and superstar at the next level … Expectations are sure to be high assuming he is a lottery pick, so the situation that he ends up in could be a big factor in his long term success … Is he Andre Iguodala or Gerald Green? Only time will tell …"

NBC Sports: Shaedon Sharpe drafted by Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7

Tyler Byrum and Chase Hughes write: "There are so many unknowns when it comes Shaedon Sharpe as his last competitive action was in high school. He didn't play at Kentucky and only did a workout at the NBA Combine. Athletically, there are few that can compare, drawing Vince Carter comparisons in his burst and frame. Where he goes will depend on which team in the top-10 falls in love with his upside. Portland can afford to swing for the fences after dealing CJ McCollum at the trade deadline. Sharpe would have little competition for playing time and would be an electric backcourt mate to Damien Lillard."

More: Is Shaedon Sharpe ready for the NBA after not playing a game for Kentucky?

Sportsnaut: Shaedon Sharpe chosen by Portland Trail Blazers at No. 7

Vincent Frank writes: "When looking at NBA Draft rankings, a lot of it has to do with upside. According to 247 Sports, Sharpe was the No. 3 overall recruit in the class of 2021. Unfortunately, he did not suit up as a freshman. He’s an athletic dynamo with an unfinished floor game. It will be interesting to see him perform during the pre-draft process. This upside could prove to be too much for the Blazers to pass up on if they don’ trade the seventh selection for a proven veteran."

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NBA mock draft: Kentucky's Shaedon Sharpe polarizing NBA draft prospect