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Fans are sad Shaedon Sharpe withdrew from the Slam Dunk Contest

cody taylor
·4 min read

Portland Trail Blazers rookie Shaedon Sharpe has emerged as one of the top high-flyers this season, and the seventh pick on Tuesday threw down yet another highlight-reel dunk.

The play unfolded late in the third quarter versus the Washington Wizards when the ball was swung over Sharpe in the corner. Sharpe gave a quick pump fake to create an opening, and then sprinted toward the basket and absolutely unloaded at the rim.

Sharpe raised up and cocked the ball back with his right hand and threw it down emphatically over two Wizards players, Kyle Kuzma and Delon Wright. The play immediately sent the Moda Center into a frenzy with the Trail Blazers’ bench erupting on the sideline.

The play was one of few highlights in the contest for the Trail Blazers after falling, 126-101. Damian Lillard led the way with 39 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and newcomer Cam Reddish added 18 points.

Sharpe had 14 points off the bench in 28 minutes.

The dunk went viral across social media as it once again offered a glimpse of Sharpe’s potential as an electric offensive player. It also created some sadness among fans after Sharpe recently opted to withdraw from the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.

Sharpe was the first player to commit to the event but eventually backed out in order to focus on the Trail Blazers’ remaining 24 games after the All-Star break. However, one rumor circulating is Sharpe passed on it after he was snubbed from the Rising Stars game.

He likely would have been the favorite to win the Slam Dunk Contest had he kept his name in. He has thrown down some insane dunks already this season and probably would have stolen the show on Saturday night in Salt Lake City.

Following his latest posterization over the Wizards, fans on social media were rather dejected with the realization that he’ll no longer be lighting up the competition at All-Star Weekend.

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire