Portland Trail Blazers rookie Shaedon Sharpe has emerged as one of the top high-flyers this season, and the seventh pick threw down yet another highlight-reel dunk on Tuesday.
The play unfolded late in the third quarter versus the Washington Wizards when the ball was swung over Sharpe in the corner. Sharpe gave a quick pump fake to create an opening, sprinted toward the basket and absolutely unloaded at the rim.
Sharpe raised up and cocked the ball back with his right hand and threw it down emphatically over two Wizards players, Kyle Kuzma and Delon Wright. The play immediately sent the Moda Center into a frenzy with the Trail Blazers’ bench erupting on the sideline.
sʜᴀᴇᴅᴜɴᴋ pic.twitter.com/vprzx66VSG
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 15, 2023
The play was one of few highlights in the contest for the Trail Blazers, who fell, 126-101. Damian Lillard led the way with 39 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and newcomer Cam Reddish added 18 points.
Sharpe had 14 points off the bench in 28 minutes.
The dunk went viral across social media as it once again offered a glimpse of Sharpe’s potential as an electric offensive player. It also created some sadness among fans because Sharpe recently withdrew from the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.
Sharpe was the first player to commit to the event but backed out to focus on the Trail Blazers’ remaining 24 games. However, one rumor circulating is Sharpe passed on it after he was snubbed from the Rising Stars competition.
He likely would have been the favorite to win the Slam Dunk Contest had he kept his name in. He has thrown down some insane dunks this season and probably would have stolen the show on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.
Following his latest poster effort over the Wizards, fans on social media were rather dejected with the realization he’ll no longer light up the competition at All-Star Weekend.