To those who say Sharpe hasn't improved (7 Viewers)

[1 Eye Jack]

I don't buy it

I'm not saying he needs to abandon the three point shot entirely. But those attempts should come on catch & shoot and on spot-up opportunities. He shouldn't be wasting dribble-drives on step back three's. I'd like to know what his conversion rate on those shots is but I'd imagine it's under 10%

as for needing to shoot three's to open up his dribble-drive game: that's a theory that does not withstand scrutiny. Teams are already baiting Sharpe into chucking three's. The threat of Sharpe's game behind the arc isn't opening up anything. Opponents are already sagging off Sharpe because his 3 point shooting is no threat. Even with all that, over the last 3 games Sharpe has shot 28-35 on two's. He's been extremely effective without the threat of the 3 opening the floor for him

it's like saying that DeMar DeRozan needed to shoot three's to open up his game. But his career 3PA rate is 10.9% and hes a 6-time all-star. SGA doesn't need three's to open up his inside game; his 3PA rate is 22.2%. Sharpe's is over 40%

right now, if you credit 80% of Sharpe's FT's to shooting fouls, Sharpe is averaging 0.82 points/three-attempt and 1.42 points/two-attempt. Significant differentials like that will be scouted by opponents, and no team is going to focus on his three's when his two's are so effective. Now, if he drops his 3PA rate to around 30% and starts converting at a 35-37% range over a 20 game stretch that will all change. I wouldn't bank on Sharpe shooting that well though

Well you can’t run this offensive system and ask only certain guys to shoot 3’s. It’s predicated on shooting threes and layups and that means everyone shooting them. Sharpe will improve his shot mechanics are good it’s all about confidence and that will come with lots of shots not only in practice but games. Limiting him now is foolish just because he’s not hitting them. Hell with that theory he should have stop shooting all shots after the first 4 games lol.

Defenses will sag and come playoff time they will collapse so he will struggle to get inside the key. I do see your point with the type of 3 pointers he takes but I think he’s so talented he’ll eventually be able to knock down tough 3 pointers at consistent rate.

Here’s some examples of great athletes who didn’t shoot 3 pointers good till later in their career (no I’m not saying Sharpe is as good as any of these guys but he is athletically on par with them)




Kobe Bryant

• Early in his career (late 1990s), Kobe’s 3‑point percentage hovered around 25–28%, well below league average (~33%).
• He didn’t focus heavily on 3‑point shooting initially, relying more on midrange shots, post-ups, and drives.
• By his mid‑career, Kobe became a proficient 3‑point shooter, finishing with 32.9% career 3P in regular season and 33.8% in playoffs, with improvement through better mechanics and shot selection.

Clyde Drexler

• Drexler was primarily a slasher and midrange scorer early in his career (1983–84 onward).
• His 3‑point percentage was around 26–28% in the first few seasons — below league average at the time, which was lower than today’s 3‑point-heavy NBA.
• He improved modestly later, but 3‑point shooting was never his primary weapon; he was known more for drives, athleticism, and finishing around the rim.

Michael Jordan

• Jordan was not a strong 3‑point shooter in the early 1980s.
• In his rookie year (1984–85), he shot 20.8% from 3. In the first five seasons, he generally hovered around 24–25%, well below league average.
• He focused on midrange pull-ups, post-ups, and drives.
• He became a much better 3-point shooter later (career 32.7%), especially in clutch playoff moments and later Bulls seasons.

Takeaways / pattern

• Even all-time great scorers often start with poor long-range shooting; early career deficiencies can improve with practice, coaching, and shot selection adjustments.

 

[wizenheimer]

Well you can’t run this offensive system and ask only certain guys to shoot 3’s. It’s predicated on shooting threes and layups and that means everyone shooting them. Sharpe will improve his shot mechanics are good it’s all about confidence and that will come with lots of shots not only in practice but games. Limiting him now is foolish just because he’s not hitting them. Hell with that theory he should have stop shooting all shots after the first 4 games lol.

Defenses will sag and come playoff time they will collapse so he will struggle to get inside the key. I do see your point with the type of 3 pointers he takes but I think he’s so talented he’ll eventually be able to knock down tough 3 pointers at consistent rate.

Here’s some examples of great athletes who didn’t shoot 3 pointers good till later in their career (no I’m not saying Sharpe is as good as any of these guys but he is athletically on par with them)




Kobe Bryant

• Early in his career (late 1990s), Kobe’s 3‑point percentage hovered around 25–28%, well below league average (~33%).
• He didn’t focus heavily on 3‑point shooting initially, relying more on midrange shots, post-ups, and drives.
• By his mid‑career, Kobe became a proficient 3‑point shooter, finishing with 32.9% career 3P in regular season and 33.8% in playoffs, with improvement through better mechanics and shot selection.

Clyde Drexler

• Drexler was primarily a slasher and midrange scorer early in his career (1983–84 onward).
• His 3‑point percentage was around 26–28% in the first few seasons — below league average at the time, which was lower than today’s 3‑point-heavy NBA.
• He improved modestly later, but 3‑point shooting was never his primary weapon; he was known more for drives, athleticism, and finishing around the rim.

Michael Jordan

• Jordan was not a strong 3‑point shooter in the early 1980s.
• In his rookie year (1984–85), he shot 20.8% from 3. In the first five seasons, he generally hovered around 24–25%, well below league average.
• He focused on midrange pull-ups, post-ups, and drives.
• He became a much better 3-point shooter later (career 32.7%), especially in clutch playoff moments and later Bulls seasons.

Takeaways / pattern

• Even all-time great scorers often start with poor long-range shooting; early career deficiencies can improve with practice, coaching, and shot selection adjustments.

here are Kobe's 3PA rates over his first 8 seasons:

.322
.241
.130
.122
.132
.083
.168
.184 Kobe's career rate was 21.2% and it's pretty obvious that early on he realized where his wheelhouse was and he ratcheted his chucking way down; at least he did for his chucking from behind the arc ************************************************ here are Clyde's .007 .032 .053 .033 .031 .062 .078 .143 his career rate was 14.7% ****************************************** and here are Jordan's 3PA rate over his first 8 seasons: .032 .055 .029 .027 .055 .125 .051 .055 his career rate was 7.2% and he never had a season when it was over 16% ******************************************************** and here are Sharpe's rates: .437 .415 .428 .405 his career rate, so far is 42.6% so then, even allowing for an increase in the importance of three's over the last 20 years, that still doesn't excuse bad efficiency, poor shot selection and wasted possessions because of it you keeps saying 'Portland's offensive system depends on guys shooting three's'. If Portland's offensive system can't adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of main players, it's flawed Portland ranks 7th in three's attempted, but ranks 25th in 3ptFG%. That's way too big a differential. WTF was Clingan doing launching 4 three's last night while missing all of them, badly? WTF is he doing averaging 3 three's a game with a 41% 3PA rate? Clingan has shot 31 three's in 11 games this season. Gobert has shot 17 in thirteen year's. That's a flawed offensive system that encourages Clingan to do that Deni's assisted FG rate on three's is 90%; Grant's is 100%. Sharpe's assisted rate on three's is 76%; and Camara rate is 74%. That might explain why they both are shooting so poorly. At minimum, Sharpe should completely delete his step-back three's until the point in time he's actually converting 35% or better on his three's overall

 

[tlongII]

I think Shaedon’s just doing what the coaches tell him. If he’s shooting too many 3’s the ire shound be directed at the coaching staff.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Of course they need to shoot these threes regardless of who they are that’s our new offense it doesn’t work if you don’t. Plus this is development year be foolish of us to think it’s not, so shoot away gain confidence.

Sharpe needs that 3 point shot to open up his drives and make him 3 level scorer, Clingan and Tou need 3 point shot so they aren’t a liability on offense. They have good form the shots will eventually start to fall

People were panicking about Deni last year and even Sharpe this year and now you’re seeing the benefits of letting guys shoot themselves out of slumps. Key is patience and understand in the end it’s going to make us better

I agree with everything but Clingan needing to shoot threes. It is not catering to his strengths and size advantages on the court.

I do know all the guys wear now are low top sneakers. No more high tops at all.

I think this is a huge factor. Ankle stability is important for the whole lower leg.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

here are Kobe's 3PA rates over his first 8 seasons:

.322
.241
.130
.122
.132
.083
.168
.184 Kobe's career rate was 21.2% and it's pretty obvious that early on he realized where his wheelhouse was and he ratcheted his chucking way down; at least he did for his chucking from behind the arc ************************************************ here are Clyde's .007 .032 .053 .033 .031 .062 .078 .143 his career rate was 14.7% ****************************************** and here are Jordan's 3PA rate over his first 8 seasons: .032 .055 .029 .027 .055 .125 .051 .055 his career rate was 7.2% and he never had a season when it was over 16% ******************************************************** and here are Sharpe's rates: .437 .415 .428 .405 his career rate, so far is 42.6% so then, even allowing for an increase in the importance of three's over the last 20 years, that still doesn't excuse bad efficiency, poor shot selection and wasted possessions because of it you keeps saying 'Portland's offensive system depends on guys shooting three's'. If Portland's offensive system can't adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of main players, it's flawed Portland ranks 7th in three's attempted, but ranks 25th in 3ptFG%. That's way too big a differential. WTF was Clingan doing launching 4 three's last night while missing all of them, badly? WTF is he doing averaging 3 three's a game with a 41% 3PA rate? Clingan has shot 31 three's in 11 games this season. Gobert has shot 17 in thirteen year's. That's a flawed offensive system that encourages Clingan to do that Deni's assisted FG rate on three's is 90%; Grant's is 100%. Sharpe's assisted rate on three's is 76%; and Camara rate is 74%. That might explain why they both are shooting so poorly. At minimum, Sharpe should completely delete his step-back three's until the point in time he's actually converting 35% or better on his three's overall

Would style of play come into context? Kobe’s era was vastly different to the current nba style

 

[1 Eye Jack]

here are Kobe's 3PA rates over his first 8 seasons:

.322
.241
.130
.122
.132
.083
.168
.184 Kobe's career rate was 21.2% and it's pretty obvious that early on he realized where his wheelhouse was and he ratcheted his chucking way down; at least he did for his chucking from behind the arc ************************************************ here are Clyde's .007 .032 .053 .033 .031 .062 .078 .143 his career rate was 14.7% ****************************************** and here are Jordan's 3PA rate over his first 8 seasons: .032 .055 .029 .027 .055 .125 .051 .055 his career rate was 7.2% and he never had a season when it was over 16% ******************************************************** and here are Sharpe's rates: .437 .415 .428 .405 his career rate, so far is 42.6% so then, even allowing for an increase in the importance of three's over the last 20 years, that still doesn't excuse bad efficiency, poor shot selection and wasted possessions because of it you keeps saying 'Portland's offensive system depends on guys shooting three's'. If Portland's offensive system can't adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of main players, it's flawed Portland ranks 7th in three's attempted, but ranks 25th in 3ptFG%. That's way too big a differential. WTF was Clingan doing launching 4 three's last night while missing all of them, badly? WTF is he doing averaging 3 three's a game with a 41% 3PA rate? Clingan has shot 31 three's in 11 games this season. Gobert has shot 17 in thirteen year's. That's a flawed offensive system that encourages Clingan to do that Deni's assisted FG rate on three's is 90%; Grant's is 100%. Sharpe's assisted rate on three's is 76%; and Camara rate is 74%. That might explain why they both are shooting so poorly. At minimum, Sharpe should completely delete his step-back three's until the point in time he's actually converting 35% or better on his three's overall

Whether we like it or not our offensive system is built on taking more shots than our opponents and that means taking more 3’s even if it means making a lower percentage. I’ll agree i would like him to take more set 3’s of course but i also think he’s gifted enough those tough 3 percentages are going to improve as long as he’s given rope to take them. I think the same with Tou and Clingan. If by next year they aren’t hitting them and we aren’t winning then they need to come up with a different offense.

Personally I love what I’m seeing the offense can be ugly at times but everyone is involved and no lead is to much. We are not only in every game no matter how good the opposition. things seem to be working even with our shooting woes.

 

[1 Eye Jack]

I agree with everything but Clingan needing to shoot threes. It is not catering to his strengths and size advantages on the court.

I think this is a huge factor. Ankle stability is important for the whole lower leg.

We need Clingan offensively to be a threat. He’s not good at lobs and doesn’t have any post moves so they have him spotting up 3’s. This drags defender out to 3 point lane leaving driving lanes. This is a must in a motion offense other wise teams sag or play zone on us. I like Clingan but he’s not the type of center I would want in our system. R Williams is perfect for our system. If there’s one player I’m worried most about in our new system it’s Clingan.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

We need Clingan offensively to be a threat. He’s not good at lobs and doesn’t have any post moves so they have him spotting up 3’s. This drags defender out to 3 point lane leaving driving lanes. This is a must in a motion offense other wise teams sag or play zone on us. I like Clingan but he’s not the type of center I would want in our system. R Williams is perfect for our system. If there’s one player I’m worried most about in our new system it’s Clingan.

He has to make them to drag the defense out though. Id rather see him in the paint where he can optimize his natural advantages.

 

[Everything Beagle]

Shae should be exempt from the “dunks or treys only” system. He should be allowed to shoot midrange jumpers at will because you need one or two players keeping defenders from packing the lane or the line. Shane’s three point shot isn’t good enough to be a fake for a drive to the hoop, but he’s dangerous enough to take that 15 footer and sink it.

 

[THE HCP]

Shae should be exempt from the “dunks or treys only” system. He should be allowed to shoot midrange jumpers at will because you need one or two players keeping defenders from packing the lane or the line. Shane’s three point shot isn’t good enough to be a fake for a drive to the hoop, but he’s dangerous enough to take that 15 footer and sink it.

His midrange J lately is looking like CJ/DeRozen in my eyes. I love it!

 

[1 Eye Jack]

here are Kobe's 3PA rates over his first 8 seasons:

.322
.241
.130
.122
.132
.083
.168
.184 Kobe's career rate was 21.2% and it's pretty obvious that early on he realized where his wheelhouse was and he ratcheted his chucking way down; at least he did for his chucking from behind the arc ************************************************ here are Clyde's .007 .032 .053 .033 .031 .062 .078 .143 his career rate was 14.7% ****************************************** and here are Jordan's 3PA rate over his first 8 seasons: .032 .055 .029 .027 .055 .125 .051 .055 his career rate was 7.2% and he never had a season when it was over 16% ******************************************************** and here are Sharpe's rates: .437 .415 .428 .405 his career rate, so far is 42.6% so then, even allowing for an increase in the importance of three's over the last 20 years, that still doesn't excuse bad efficiency, poor shot selection and wasted possessions because of it you keeps saying 'Portland's offensive system depends on guys shooting three's'. If Portland's offensive system can't adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of main players, it's flawed Portland ranks 7th in three's attempted, but ranks 25th in 3ptFG%. That's way too big a differential. WTF was Clingan doing launching 4 three's last night while missing all of them, badly? WTF is he doing averaging 3 three's a game with a 41% 3PA rate? Clingan has shot 31 three's in 11 games this season. Gobert has shot 17 in thirteen year's. That's a flawed offensive system that encourages Clingan to do that Deni's assisted FG rate on three's is 90%; Grant's is 100%. Sharpe's assisted rate on three's is 76%; and Camara rate is 74%. That might explain why they both are shooting so poorly. At minimum, Sharpe should completely delete his step-back three's until the point in time he's actually converting 35% or better on his three's overall

Btw good post commend you on putting it all together. And all valid points

 

[1 Eye Jack]

Shae should be exempt from the “dunks or treys only” system. He should be allowed to shoot midrange jumpers at will because you need one or two players keeping defenders from packing the lane or the line. Shane’s three point shot isn’t good enough to be a fake for a drive to the hoop, but he’s dangerous enough to take that 15 footer and sink it.

To me mid range is under appreciated those are easiest shots to get in playoffs.

 

[Quatro44]

I think when you are that skilled at the midrange, he should have the green light anytime.

 

[Pinwheel1]

To me mid range is under appreciated those are easiest shots to get in playoffs.

Also, in order to be the guy at the end of games, you need to be an unpredictable threat to the defense, or they will take away your best shot.

Dame had/has unlimited range and he could attack the basket. His mid-range was pretty good.

Simons was also pretty good at shooting from all three levels.

I think Shae has the potential to be better than both from mid-range. (and probably attacking the basket. )
His length makes his step back J that much tougher to defend.

A good mid-range shooter is really hard to stop when he has the full repertoire.

 

[BBert]

I think when you are that skilled at the midrange, he should have the green light anytime.

Shaedes of Kobe

 

[1 Eye Jack]

I think when you are that skilled at the midrange, he should have the green light anytime.

That fade away from elbows is money. Should be able to post him up and get similar shot without having to dribble

 

[1 Eye Jack]

Shaedes of Kobe

“shaedes “ well played sir

 

[RR7]

Lillard for his career has taken ~ 25.7% from 0-3, 9.8 of his shots from 3-10 feet, 6.6 from 10-16, 12.2 from 16-3pt. 45.6 from 3.

This year, Sharpe is taking 24.6 from 0-3(71.4%), 14.7 from 3-10(46.4%), 8.4 from 10-16(37.5%), 10.5 from 16-3pt(45%). 40.5 from 3(27%).

Seems to be utilizing the mid range an ok amount compared to our last go to guy.

I'm also ok with him shooting 3s, personally. For one, I believe his percentages will increase over the season, as he has a good shot. Also, as part of our offense, it seems 3s often lead to long rebounds, which are easier for the offensive players to grab. We're 6th in the league in ORB%.

Also, also, I think that we don't have that "GO TO" guy yet, and maybe Shae or Deni proves they can be that guy, but until that time, a team built around high percentage shots(not our specific shooting percentage, but what mathematically makes the most sense), a very fast pace, (2nd in the league), turning over the opponent(1st in the league), and getting second chance points is going to, and has, lead us to some wins.

 

[KingSpeed]

Well you can’t run this offensive system and ask only certain guys to shoot 3’s. It’s predicated on shooting threes and layups and that means everyone shooting them. Sharpe will improve his shot mechanics are good it’s all about confidence and that will come with lots of shots not only in practice but games. Limiting him now is foolish just because he’s not hitting them. Hell with that theory he should have stop shooting all shots after the first 4 games lol.

Defenses will sag and come playoff time they will collapse so he will struggle to get inside the key. I do see your point with the type of 3 pointers he takes but I think he’s so talented he’ll eventually be able to knock down tough 3 pointers at consistent rate.

Here’s some examples of great athletes who didn’t shoot 3 pointers good till later in their career (no I’m not saying Sharpe is as good as any of these guys but he is athletically on par with them)




Kobe Bryant

• Early in his career (late 1990s), Kobe’s 3‑point percentage hovered around 25–28%, well below league average (~33%).
• He didn’t focus heavily on 3‑point shooting initially, relying more on midrange shots, post-ups, and drives.
• By his mid‑career, Kobe became a proficient 3‑point shooter, finishing with 32.9% career 3P in regular season and 33.8% in playoffs, with improvement through better mechanics and shot selection.

Clyde Drexler

• Drexler was primarily a slasher and midrange scorer early in his career (1983–84 onward).
• His 3‑point percentage was around 26–28% in the first few seasons — below league average at the time, which was lower than today’s 3‑point-heavy NBA.
• He improved modestly later, but 3‑point shooting was never his primary weapon; he was known more for drives, athleticism, and finishing around the rim.

Michael Jordan

• Jordan was not a strong 3‑point shooter in the early 1980s.
• In his rookie year (1984–85), he shot 20.8% from 3. In the first five seasons, he generally hovered around 24–25%, well below league average.
• He focused on midrange pull-ups, post-ups, and drives.
• He became a much better 3-point shooter later (career 32.7%), especially in clutch playoff moments and later Bulls seasons.

Takeaways / pattern

• Even all-time great scorers often start with poor long-range shooting; early career deficiencies can improve with practice, coaching, and shot selection adjustments.

Dirk started bad. Kidd too. BroLo didn’t even shoot them for YEARS.

 

[julius]

Gary Payton also started off slow, couldn't shoot to save his life. Ended up being a decent shooter. And that was *after* 4 years of college.

 

[julius]

And just so we're clear, I meant Gary Payton the elder, not the Toradol chugging schmuck.

 

[wizenheimer]

Dirk started bad. Kidd too. BroLo didn’t even shoot them for YEARS.

defending what Sharpe is doing from behind the arc by saying "Dirk started bad" is 90% malarkey

Sharpe's 4 year record is:



the more he shoots, the worse he shoots

meanwhile. Dirk's record over his first 4 seasons was:



while Sharpe has gotten worse each year, Dirk got better each year

Kidd and Sharpe have about the same conversion rate over their first 4 seasons, Kidd's 3PA rate was around 30% while Sharpe's is over 40%

Lopez is irrelevant and not a comp, unless common sense doesn't matter. He attempted a grand total of 7 three's over his first 6 seasons

Payton is a bad comp too. His record over the first 4 years:



at his current pace Sharpe will have shot more three's in the first 15 games this season than Payton shot in his first 247 games

it isn't so much that Sharpe is shooting bad, it's that he's shooting bad with high volume. I'm not saying he should stop taking three's; I'm saying his shot selection on the three's he takes is flawed. He needs to stop taking step-back three's to start with. And he needs to confine his attempts to spot-up and catch-&-shoot. Grant has a 100% assisted FG rate on three's. Deni has a 90% rate. Sharpe has a 76% rate and it should be somewhere around Deni's rate. Sharpe's best conversion rate (36%) was his rookie season when his assisted FG rate on three's was 89%

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

His jumper will determine his ceiling.

If he continues as a below average shooter — he’s just another Demar Derozan