The problem Portland Trail Blazers have to deal with to continue progressing

Shaedon Sharpe has seen his role change and has played some games coming off the bench, despite previously being a full-time starter. Although he still gets minutes in the starting 5, coach Chauncey Billups' plan is to keep him as a reserve. This has also clouded the long-term idea of forming a backcourt with Scoot Henderson.

The success of the Portland Trail Blazers has been with a starting lineup without Sharpe. This decision has left the team in a precarious position because he is supposed to be one of the cornerstones of the rebuild. Coach Billups benched Sharpe to hold him accountable for his defensive lapses. It was fair to change Sharpe's role, but it also risked crushing his confidence.

In the last game against the Denver Nuggets, Billups started Kris Murray instead of Sharpe. This was surprising, considering Murray did not play in the previous game despite being healthy. Over the 14 games he has played coming off the bench, Sharpe averages 15 points per game with a 42% field goal percentage and a 30.1% from three-point range.

Although Sharpe has superstar potential, 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 back his spot by changing Sharpe's role to become a better defender.

This is a new challenge for the 21-year-old player. Sharpe has been weak on defense most of the time, but he has been more involved since the demotion. With continuous improvements in defense, the long-term plan to build around Henderson and Sharpe can continue. They had a good stretch with him on the bench, winning 10 out of 11 games. However, most Blazers fans would want Shaedon as a centerpiece.

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

Of course, it remains concerning because Sharpe is in his third season under Billups. General manager Joe Cronin also needs to make an impact because he made no moves during the NBA Trade Deadline. This will likely involve trades that set the future around Henderson and Sharpe.

Plan for the Blazers' Reconstruction

Sharpe's role change and Henderson's rise are crucial for Portland's future. They have some veterans who are key pieces like Simons, Jerami Grant, and Deandre Ayton. However, they may not be the best players for a rebuild.

After a period without trades, Portland's management is comfortable keeping them. This is a sign that the team trusts the long-term process. There will be trades during the summer, which could pave the way 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 remains crucial. With the Blazers surprisingly competitive in the 2024-25 season, avoiding tanking could be a valuable experience for them.

Blazers fans have valid concerns about the team's future with role changes. This includes Donovan Clingan, Henderson, and Sharpe, all bright players with promising futures. The team must commit to them as they could become the core of the championship long term. Combining this with a high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Blazers could compete.

The front office must commit and pull the trigger on trades. Moving players like Simons and Grant is the first step toward that bright future. Billups' plan for Sharpe may work, but that could be out of his hands in the long run.

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