After a successful NBA Summer League for Emanuel Sharp, the Sacramento Kings have to feel good about picking him up in the second round. His work in this offseason has been incredible, leading some to dub him the steal of the draft, though it might be a little early to make such announcements
Sharp played four seasons as a Houston Cougar before declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. He was selected 45th overall by the Kings in the second round. While he had been on the Kings' radar, there were other players some expected Sacramento to use that 45th pick on.
In many ways, Sharp was the right call. He's a strong shooting guard, adding to the Kings' wing depth. This has been almost as big an issue as their problems at point guard. Hopefully, Sacramento also solved that issue in the same draft by selecting Darius Acuff Jr. seventh overall.
What makes Sharp such a great addition to the team is his tenacity on both offense and defense. He's a physical defender who generates stops and steals alongside dangerous perimeter shooting and the ability to break down the opposition's defense. Fans saw that in the Summer League.
Sharp takes the Summer League by storm
Between the California Classic and the Summer League in Las Vegas, the Kings played a total of eight games. Sharp participated in seven of them, missing only one. He scored in double digits every time. On top of that, he collected a total of 18 steals, giving him an average of 2.6 per game.
Particularly in Vegas, Sharp earned high praise from commentators for his competitive energy and relentlessness. He was a lockdown defender who was disruptive in the passing lane. On offense, he was shooting more than 43% from three, giving his team big shots when they needed them most.
More and more, Sharp seems like a shocking bargain at 45 and someone who should have gone much higher in the draft. Four seasons in college have turned him into a capable, well-seasoned player who knows what needs to be done. The league needs more rookies like him.
It's a little early to declare Sharp the steal of the draft, considering the regular season doesn't start for another three months. That being said, he has to be in the mix. If Sharp continues playing this way once 2026-2027 begins, it's safe to say that he'll be one of the top rookies in the league.
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