Trail Blazers Lottery Pick Avoids Surgery

The Portland Trail Blazers were holding their breath after their No. 7 overall pick in the NBA Draft, Shaedon Sharpe, suffered a small labral tear in his shoulder during Summer League. The injury occurred just six minutes into his first game. 

But the team has now announced that he will not have to have surgery to repair it. Instead, said the Blazers, "Sharpe will continue rehabilitation and is expected to be available for Fall training camp."

This is a huge relief for the Blazers, who took a chance on drafting the 19-year-old with a mid-lottery pick. 

Sharpe, from London, Ontario (about two hours outside of Toronto), spent his lone college season at Kentucky, but did not suit up for the Wildcats. With the injury so early into Summer League action, he'll have gone a long time between competitive games before he suits up for some pre-season action. From high school, straight to the NBA.

With Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons in the Portland backcourt, he won't have too much pressure on him, but he'll certainly be the most mysterious of rookies to watch come the 2022-23 season. 

Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports