Amid the chaos surrounding Portland – following head coach Chauncey Billups’ arrest in the ongoing illegal betting investigation – the Trail Blazers found a bit of consolation in their win over the Lakers and in a remarkable personal milestone from their young Canadian guard.

Shaedon Sharpe has talent to spare – and confidence to match. In just four NBA seasons (though he’s appeared in only three games so far this year), he has already reached 1,000 made field goals in a Blazers uniform. At 22 years and 151 days, Sharpe becomes the youngest player in franchise history to hit that mark, surpassing none other than Damian Lillard, who hadn’t achieved it at the same age.

From the moment he arrived in Portland, Sharpe has had the full support and trust of the organization. Last season, he averaged over 31 minutes per game, and his $90 million guaranteed extension is clear proof of the Blazers’ long-term faith in him.

However, the numbers still tell a story of growing pains: despite an increase in shot attempts – from 15 to 19.7 per game – his shooting percentages remain concerningly low, sitting at 28% from two-point range and 20% from three, far from the efficiency expected of a potential All-Star.

Selected 7th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe was initially seen as Lillard’s heir apparent. When Lillard eventually left for Milwaukee, the door opened for Sharpe – and, later on, for Scoot Henderson, who has yet to fully live up to expectations.

This season, as the Blazers await the returns of both Lillard and Henderson, Sharpe has a valuable opportunity to carve out meaningful minutes and continue developing his game. Once both guards are back, the coaching staff will face a tough decision on the starting lineup alongside Jrue Holiday and Deni Avdija, who currently look locked into their roles.