NBA Power Rankings: Celtics living up to hype; 76ers are better without Harden?

26. Portland Trail Blazers

I think it’s safe to say that while the Portland Trail Blazers haven’t been as bad as expected, they’re still a team that not many expect to continue to play at this level heading into the remainder of the season. They’re 3-3 and there have been some bright spots for the Blazers early on. And it all starts with the breakout season that it appears Shaedon Sharpe is having for the young team.

Sharpe is averaging 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s stepped up in a big way with the injury to Anfernee Simons and in the midst of Scoot Henderson’s extremely slow start to the season.

The rookie guard is having a bit of trouble getting used to the NBA game, but that’s hardly surprising. I’m sure Scoot will be fine but the learning curve should’ve been expected. If there is any player the Blazers should be disappointed in, it has to be Deandre Ayton’s inconsistent start to the year.