The player who could become the star of the new Portland Trail Blazers project

The Portland Trail Blazers began their preseason with good vibes, and one player has captured all the attention: Shaedon Sharpe. Although his playing time was limited in Chauncey Billups' rotation, it only took a few minutes for the young shooting guard to confirm what many already sensed: his potential is ready to shine.

During Portland's training camp for the 2025-26 season, Sharpe has been the standout. The Canadian appears more mature, determined, and poised to make the leap that solidifies him as the next franchise star. Moreover, he does so in a significant context: aiming to earn his second contract in the NBA, one that reflects his increasing value within the Blazers project.

The confidence he has shown in training has translated directly onto the court. In the preseason match against the Golden State Warriors, Billups chose to include him in the starting five, and Sharpe responded with a performance that clearly established him as the team's best player.

In just 23 minutes of action, he scored 22 points, 20 of them in a brilliant first half. He showcased his full offensive versatility, mixing mid-range shots with aggressive drives and solid three-point shooting.

Billups' Praise Following Sharpe's Performance Against the Warriors

Portland dominated much of the game against the Warriors, although they ultimately lost when the reserves closed the match. Despite the defeat, the main group's performance left encouraging signs, with Sharpe shining against the experience of Golden State's core.

“We hope this is the beginning of something great,” stated Chauncey Billups after the game. “We're pushing him to be exceptional. Today, he looked very comfortable, playing in control, getting where he wanted, and contributing on both ends of the floor. He even went for rebounds, an area where his physical attributes can make him outstanding.”

The overall impression was clear: Sharpe played with calmness, maturity, and the confidence of someone who knows his moment is approaching.

Since his high school days, when he was the number one recruit in the class of 2022, Sharpe carried the tag of a future star. His explosive athleticism and natural scoring instinct set him apart early on. In the NBA, that talent has been refined, and the flashes he showed against Golden State are evidence of his development.

However, his journey has not been without setbacks. Injuries and the adjustments typical of a young player forced him to be patient. But with Billups' support and the leadership of veterans like Jrue Holiday, Sharpe has found stability and direction. In Portland, they view him as a key piece of their rebuild, alongside the also promising Scoot Henderson.

The next step will be ensuring him the necessary continuity to keep growing. Billups is still experimenting with his rotation, which could temporarily limit Sharpe's starting minutes. However, the coach believes that internal competition will strengthen him.

“I like to put my players in difficult situations,” Billups has reiterated on several occasions. Sharpe has responded before to these types of challenges—even when he had to come off the bench early in 2025—and all indications suggest he will do so again.

Shaedon Sharpe's talent is undeniable, and his progression hints at him becoming the new face of the franchise. His ability to score at all levels, his exceptional physique, and his increasing maturity position him as a future All-Star if he maintains this trajectory.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El jugador que podría convertirse en la estrella del nuevo proyecto de Portland Trail Blazers