The Toronto Raptors have made it very clear that they are prioritizing development and willing to lean on their young players this season. The 2022 NBA Draft could be a pivotal moment in the history of the franchise, as they could add a player with the long-term potential of Shaedon Sharpe.
Sharpe reclassified to the 2022 class after committing to Kentucky. While the 18-year-old is practicing with the team, he has yet to play a game for the Wildcats. Sharpe, who was born in London, Ontario and attended H.B. Beal, is one of the best amateur Canadian prospects in the sport.
Sharpe was widely expected to start playing this year for the Wildcats and enter the 2023 draft. However, based on the latest report from ESPN, a Raptors team that may be drafting on the fringes of the lottery could be in a position to bring Sharpe back home before next year.
Per ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Sharpe is eligible to enter the 2022 NBA Draft. Sharpe, who turns 19 before the start of the season on May 30, has enough high school credits to graduate high school before he goes to the NBA. Givony claims that Sharpe is ranked as the No. 6 prospect on ESPN’s draft board.
Sharpe starts off as the No. 6 prospect in ESPN's NBA Draft rankings (https://t.co/EwfogQjX5k). His combination of prototypical frame with dynamic shot-making and explosive finishing ability gives him significant upside to grow into. Highlights from October. pic.twitter.com/STOgZmZjoO
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 20, 2022
Will the Toronto Raptors draft Shaedon Sharpe?
While it’s tough to look at high school film and project that to the NBA, it’s clear that Sharpe has star potential. At 6-4 with a long wingspan, Sharpe’s boundless athletic ability, skill at creating opportunities for himself, and defensive effort should help get the mouths of scouts watering with envy.
Even though he is an average 3-point shooter, Sharpe stood out at the Nike EYBL circuit. Some teams may not be concerned about his performance in college, as teams will always take a gamble on players that can handle the ball, attack the rim, and defend multiple positions.
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Will an NBA team use a pick that high on Sharpe just because of his high school numbers? Brandon Boston Jr. went from a contender for the top pick to a late second-round pick at No. 51 overall after playing in college exposed the flaws in his game. Will Sharpe be in for a similar fate if he plays?
Even if he suits up, Ujiri has shown with the Scottie Barnes pick that he is willing to bet on long-term potential over college production. If Sharpe manages to hit his stride and develops his overall game, he could come back to Toronto and eventually evolve into someone that could pair with Fred VanVleet in the Toronto backcourt for a decade.