Kings rookie Emanuel Sharp says defense, effort, and energy remain his priorities as he continues adjusting to NBA Summer League competition with Sacramento.
Emanuel Sharp knows shots will eventually fall. What matters more to the Sacramento Kings rookie is everything else he can control when they do not.
Through his first two California Classic appearances, Sharp has already become one of the most talked-about talents on Sacramento’s Summer League roster despite struggling with efficiency from the floor.
The former Houston guard is averaging 15.5 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block per game, but his impact has extended far beyond the box score.
Selected with the 45th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Sharp has quickly stood out because of his relentless defensive effort, nonstop energy, and willingness to embrace the dirty work.
“I go into the game, and whatever the game plan the coach has, I just try to follow that,” Sharp said. “You can’t control whether my shots are going in. Some games it’s going to be going in, some games it’s not. But I can always control my defense, how hard I’m playing, my energy, my enthusiasm for my teammates, being a good teammate.”
However, that mindset has helped Sharp remain productive even while shooting just 30.8% from the field and 28.6% from three-point range during his first two Summer League outings.
Instead of letting missed shots affect the rest of his game, Sharp has continued attacking defensively while finding other ways to contribute.
“I feel like how hard I play can cover up for some of my missed shots,” Sharp explained. “I get it back on defense, moving the ball to my teammates, rebounding. Just playing my game, playing hard, and having fun.”
The Kings desperately needed a player of such a mindset after finishing last in the NBA in both three-pointers made and attempted last season. Even though the percentages have not been there yet, Sacramento loves the fact that Sharp continues shooting confidently. He attempted nine threes in his Summer League debut before launching 12 more against Golden State.
One of the names watching the talented guard go from a young prospect to one of the NBA’s future pieces is Sharp’s coach, Kelvin Sampson.
Last week, Sampson explained why the former Houston guard became one of his favorite players during their five years together with the Cougars.
“Emanuel specifically was a great story,” he said. “I’m glad Sacramento drafted him because they were really interested in him. They called multiple times.”
Sharp finished his Houston career as the program’s all-time leader in three-pointers while developing into one of the Big 12’s top two-way guards. He averaged nearly 16 points per game during his senior season and helped lead Houston to the national championship game in 2025.
For Sampson, Sharp’s evolution defensively stood out the most.
“Emanuel’s the epitome of a two-way player,” Sampson added. “He wasn’t a very good defender when he got here, but now he’s got NBA teams recognizing him as a good defender.”
Sampson also believes Sharp perfectly fits what Sacramento wanted to add this offseason.
“One of the things Sacramento wanted was to get tougher,” Sampson added. “Have a guy come off the bench that could go in and be dependable, but also can make shots.”
After overcoming injuries early in his career, Sharp steadily developed into one of Houston’s leaders, earning a reputation for toughness, effort, and consistency on both ends of the floor.
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