Emmanuel Sharp, the American-Israeli guard and son of former Maccabi Tel Aviv player Derek Sharp, was selected 45th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Draft overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. The article notes that Sharp was not considered a typical NBA prospect: he suffered a severe leg injury before his final high school year, averaged only 5.9 points on 36.5% shooting in his first season at the University of Houston, and was long viewed as more of a EuroLeague-type player than an NBA lock.
Sharp had previously said he was focused on the NBA, telling the reporter more than two years ago, when asked whether he wanted to follow his father and play in Tel Aviv, “I would not say that is my goal. Right now I am aiming only for the NBA.” His selection is presented as the culmination of a long path that overcame questions about his size, athleticism and versatility.
For Sacramento, Sharp fits a clear roster need. The Kings finished last season last in the NBA in made threes per game, three-point attempts per game and three-point percentage, and the piece says they were badly in need of a “3 and D” guard. Sharp is expected to help from the bench with perimeter defense and outside shooting, especially alongside seventh pick Darius Acuff Jr., an explosive but weak defensive point guard who drew Damian Lillard comparisons. Sacramento also drafted Alex Kriavon at No. 29, and the young core includes Maxime Raynaud, Keegan Murray, Nick Clifford, Devin Carter and Dylan Cardwell.
The article adds that the Kings still have several older players, including Domantas Sabonis, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk and Deandre Hunter, while Russell Westbrook is out of contract. It says team executive Perry must sort out the roster and make it younger after Sacramento finished 60-22. The author compares Sharp to valuable bench contributors such as Landry Shamet and says he can become the kind of clutch reserve who changes games with timely threes, charges taken and momentum swings.
