I posted this in the Grizzlies reddit, but the idea is similar. The Raptors have Markquis Nowell on a 2 way (Sharife is not even on a 2 way, younger, and significantly better than Nowell right now)
Cooper’s had an excellent season in the G League and just turned 22 in June. (he is the same birthyear as Scottie) He’s young, shifty, and excellent at getting downhill. He is an amazing passer, his playstyle is about moving into the lane and drawing defenses to kick. He was actually on the second team all G League team this year, and was having a monster season [(26/27 games prior to his injury](https://twitter.com/sharifecooper/status/1681022395975630848?s=46&t=XZRUUjvHdgSU1Aj1HJAVpg)
Before Sharife Cooper’s midseason injury, he was having a ridiculous season in the G league across the Showcase and Reg Season:
25.8 PPG
7.5 APG on
49.5 FG%
37.5 3FG%
83.1 FT%
64 TS%
The Charge were 8-1 (1st reg season) and Cooper took player of the month honours during stretch.
Cooper would provide dynamic offense with his passing and shooting, but he has also improved a ton as a defender. He is laterally quick and definitely tries hard despite only being 6’1
This isn’t amazing by any means and there’s more plays of good screen nav in the game (I got this from a highlight reel) but all you can really ask for a guy this size is to get over screens and pressure the ball. Picking up from 95 feet is such a big improvement for Coop imo pic.twitter.com/sFThFr5bwz
— Array (@SonicArray3) July 13, 2023
All you can ask for imo pic.twitter.com/MmTQBT9psg
— Array (@SonicArray3) July 14, 2023
I think he is a worth a try given Fred’s gone. We could really use a guy who can not only knock down pull up jumpers but can get to the rim and create easy looks. He’s not a world beater on D but to be honest I don’t know why people say he is a liability. He held Nowell to 2-11, but he is also laterally very quick, functionally strong, has good hands and rotates well, he’s just as we all know, only 6’1. The Raptors have several lob threats and athletes to hide him and work with him in the PnR and he has proven to be a good off ball cutter and connective passer off the ball, shooting well also. He just seems sort of well rounded for creator his size? He is a great playmaker, shoots well, and tries to defense given his limits. He is also fine off the ball bc of shot and very quick processing speed
College video of Sharife’s passing, called best in class with Barnes, Cade, Giddey in draft class:
[Video on Sharife’s scoring on the Cleveland Charge](https://youtu.be/8TB6qH-K8M4)
[Video on Sharife’s passing on the Cleveland Charge](https://youtu.be/8TB6qH-K8M4)
by ArrayMichael7
15 Comments
If we aren’t going to use that roster spot for anything better or a trade than yeah. Kid deserves a league shot. We have nothing to lose. He never got to play real minutes. low risk situation
Nico mannion for real hype
Jared Butler is also 22 and unsigned. I like him a bit better than Cooper as he can hold up defensively more.
Great post
Rather him than Malachi honestly
Call me a freak but I’d prefer josh primo
David Johnson and Dalano >>>
I’ve got my eyes on Tyty Washington. Feels like OKC is unlikely to keep him, and if they do he’s so far down the depth chart he won’t have much opportunity there.
Looking at his game recently and the numbers he put up in the g league, I think he could really surprise people and have an impact if given opportunity. We know Kentucky guard have also had a lot of success in the NBA.
Sharife seems like a worthwhile option too if his 3pt shooting has developed since the draft. We only have the minimum to offer but we do have lots of potential opportunity at pg to provide on a 1 year prove it deal that could make it worthwhile for these guys. I’d prefer Washington of the 2 if he’s available at low cost
Literally any guard depth please
I like Cooper and if we’re just taking a flier on him, let’s go for it
I love this take
No. He was horrible in SL. If you’re interested in a SL PG from Cleveland look into Craig Porter Jr. Much more impactful in the SL games. Sharife is too small and can’t shoot
No, we don’t need another mediocre PG with “upside” we have enough of those…we need to either trade for a proper PG or give Scottie some rope and let him make mistakes and develop, Schoder is a legit backup who’s a serviceable starter, now we need to figure out who the starter is going to be long term
No more of these tic tac moves, either bring in a proper PG or develop what we have…
Was he waived or something?
is he some how available?
Malachi still clears!