NBA Draft: Shaedon Sharpe Needs To Make The Right Decision For His Future

The 2022 NBA Draft Class isn’t lacking potential star power at the top of the board. Game-changing talents such as
Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren (I don’t see it), TyTy Washington, and Jaden Ivey are widely considered the cream of the crop; all are potential NBA All-Stars according to most draft analysts. In the thick of draft evaluation season, comes a new wrinkle in the plans of NBA teams and their scouting departments.

While the 2022 Draft class is expected to be good (more so at the top), the 2022 Draft class is expected to be great. Headlined by international standout, Victor Wembenyama, and G-League Ignite star, Scoot Henderson, there’s a bit more intrigue going into the 23 Draft than that of the 22 class. The 3rd player from the top of the projected 23 Draft trio, Shaedon Sharpe, is now eligible for the 22 Draft.

Let’s pause here for a minute before we go any further. Sharpe and Kentucky (where he enrolled early) have known of this to be a possibility from the beginning. Sharpe, who become eligible for the UK during the second half of the season, planned to redshirt this season as an 18-year-old (the belief is that he will suit up at some point). Most were unaware of the possibility of him gaining eligibility for the 22 Draft. Now, we are being told that Sharpe is planning on staying at Kentucky to compete next season in the SEC and not NBA.

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Why?

I understand that with the NIL deals the college basketball route seems a bit more appealing than it had 2 years ago. If you’re Sharpe, widely considered the 3rd or 4th best prospect in this draft (behind Banchero, Holmgren, and Smith), what’s the point in staying at UK? In 23, unless something drastic occurs, you will still be considered the third-best prospect behind Wembenyama and Henderson. How much more does your Draft stock improve? Does that NIL money really outweigh the NBA?

Outside of the big 3 this year, and I’ll argue Holmgren isn’t one of those guys, Sharpe would be a no-brainer for a top-5 pick. There might even be a team that takes him 1 in 2022. Where’s the logic in staying in Kentucky next season? Again, is it the NIL money? He will surely get more in the Draft. Does he really gain any value sitting this year, possibly risk hurting his stock (remember that Sharpe is already considered a top player for the 22 Draft) in the next collegiate season?

Sharpe, a member of Team Canada at the 2019 FIBA U-16 games, averaged 13 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during the tournament. He’s a 6’4 shooting guard that has a scoring touch with the ability to get to the basket. Scouts haven’t had a lot to go off of. Sharpe shot up rankings boards after a NIKE offseason camp. However, if he’s indeed going to play for Kentucky at some point this season, scouts will immediately see that potential. The lure of the NBA could be too good to pass up.

If you’re Shaedon Sharpe, and you want to stay at Kentucky next season to improve your stock, that’s your decision. I can’t imagine many in the basketball world think that’s a good idea (especially an NBA GM who’s hungry for a superstar). Most NBA teams will want to develop him at their pace rather than at the pace of Kentucky and Calipari.

If Sharpe is being valued and seen as a top-3 pick in 2022, is it really worth waiting another year? You’re already going against the grain in 23 with two generational talents in Wembenyama and Henderson. To be honest, the 22 Draft is the best shot he has at going 1. I’d take the gamble and head for the bright lights of the NBA.

Image Source: UK Athletics