NBA Most Improved Player Power Rankings: Is Scottie Barnes rising?
By Mike Luciano
4. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
Sharpe has been given a massive platform to stardom now that Anfernee Simons has missed time due to injury and Scoot Henderson has been handed a few very significant “Welcome to the NBA” moments. The early results look so good that Sharpe likely won’t be sent to the bench anytime soon.
Sharpe has been flirting with 20 points per game while showing off the jaw-dropping athletic ability that made him such a prized prospect despite a nonexistent college career. If Sharpe’s 3-point shot sticks around, Portland may have fallen into another star guard.
NBA Most Improved Player Power Rankings: Scottie Barnes beats out Cam Thomas.
3. Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets
Much like Sharpe, Thomas has been the benefactor of a Nets team that needs one more dynamic offensive playmaker to hold their own in the Eastern Conference. Mikal Bridges may be the nominal star, but Thomas’ insane production needs to be recognized by the rest of the league.
Thomas averaged 28.7 points per game prior to Wednesday’s win against the Clippers, mixing in three straight 30-point performances and a separate 45-point outing. Thomas is a lethal scorer, so much so that Brooklyn has overcome slow starts and injuries elsewhere.