Portland Trail Blazers 2022 Mock Draft Compilation 1.0
Ed Stein
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Round 1, 6th overall
So far, it’s a close battle with two players combining for 50 percent more picks than the field. University of Kentucky two-guard Shaedon Sharpe leads the way with five selections. Following him, with four selections, is power forward Keegan Murray from Idaho State.
According to scouts, Sharp’s ceiling is very high. He was one of the top two or three college recruiting prospects last year. What’s perplexing is after signing with Kentucky, Sharpe didn’t play in a single Wildcats game.
The 6-6 guard from Canada is a gifted athlete who can almost jump out of the gym. It will be interesting to see what his vertical comes in at the combine. Combine that jumping ability with a seven-foot wingspan, and Sharpe plays bigger than his size.
He’s a strong finisher who likes to attack the basket and can lay up the ball equally well with either hand. Additionally, he has an arsenal of dunks at his disposal to get the fans out of their seats at the Moda Center. However, it’s his step-back that’s the cherry on the cake. It’s lethal.
Sharpe has weaknesses as well. The first is defense. Whether it’s lack of ability or lack of desire, he isn’t an active or adept defender. Ability can be taught, but it won’t make Billups happy if the issue is desire.
Others receiving consideration include AJ Griffin, F, Duke (2); Bennedict Mathurin, G, Arizona (2); Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin, and one mock drafter had the Blazers trading up to three and picking Chet Holmgren, C, Gonzaga.