London’s Shaedon Sharpe makes NBA preseason debut
It was the “Welcome to the NBA” moment for London, Ont.’s Shaedon Sharpe.
In his NBA preseason debut, rookie guard for the Portland Trailblazers recovered from a screen to unleash a massive shot block on former London Lightning guard Xavier Moon.
“He’s an incredible shot blocker already,” says Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Trailblazers. “There’s a play where he goes and meets guys up at the square. It's unbelievable.”
Sharpe put on a show in warmup with a between-the-legs dunk. Then playing in his first full meaningful game since high school, he saw 15 minutes of action. Sharpe scored a pair of free throws, grabbed two rebounds and had one assist.
“His debut was good, but I thought he looked a little nervous for sure,” says Dave Sewell, Sharpe’s trainer in London.
Sewell was impressed with his overall performance, but was surprised that he didn’t get into the game sooner. However when in there, there was one play which caught his attention.
“He wanted the lob on the play where he got fouled on the dunk,” says Sewell.
Los Angeles Clippers' Reggie Jackson shoots with Portland Trailblazers' Shaedon Sharpe defending during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, in Seattle. The Clippers won 102-97. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
He adds, “You can tell he wanted the lob. That would have been interesting to see what would have happened if they threw in the lob there instead of just the pass where he got to the foul line. He's always been a freak athlete, so that's not surprising.”
After the game, Billups told the Portland writers that Shaedon’s head was spinning because he is just 19, but his athleticism will be on display every time he touches the floor.
Billups does believe he has a long way to go when it comes to positioning at the NBA level.
“Understanding his guys, he’s nowhere on that but he shouldn't be,” says Billups. “Everything is new for him but when he gets you know, a lot more familiar, he's just gonna be a very, very good defender”.
This week, all-star Damian Lilliard said Sharpe is way ahead of where he was at the same age, and believes when everything comes together he’ll be a “game changer.”
Sewell expects Tuesday night's contest will go a little better that his debut.
“I'm excited to see how the year goes for him and the rest of preseason,” says Sewell. “They play tonight [Tuesday] against Utah, so hopefully he gets a little more minutes tonight and feels a little more comfortable and does a little better.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.