Do the Kings have another 3-and-D gem in Emanuel Sharpe?

The Sacramento Kings added another experienced college standout to their 2026 NBA Draft class by selecting Emanuel Sharp with the No. 45 overall pick, and according to Houston Cougars play-by-play voice Jeremy Branham, Sacramento is getting a player built to thrive in a complementary NBA role.

Sharp arrives after spending four seasons at Houston, where he averaged 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 37 percent from three-point range during his collegiate career.

As a senior, the 6’3 guard elevated his production to 15.5 points per game while shooting 89 percent from the free-throw line to lead the Big 12.

Branham believes Sharp’s biggest strength is exactly what NBA teams covet.

“I think he’s going to be a good three-and-D player at some point in the NBA,” Branham said on Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys.

“I don’t know if it’s right away in his rookie year, but he’s a veteran, has seen a lot of battles, played a lot of high-stakes college basketball games. I think he’ll carve out a role in the NBA as a solid three-and-D guy.”

Emanuel Sharp #21 of the Houston Cougars looks on against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Toyota Center on March 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

More on Kings G Emanuel Sharp

While Emanuel Sharp’s shooting mechanics aren’t conventional, Branham doesn’t believe they’ll prevent him from becoming an elite perimeter threat.

“It’s efficient. It does go in. He’s a really good shooter,” Branham said. “I think his three-point shooting is going to go up at the NBA level.”

Branham explained that Sharp frequently took difficult late-clock shots at Houston because of his offensive responsibilities, adding, “They kind of needed him to do that because he was their best shooter.”

Beyond his shooting, Branham pointed to Sharp’s experience under legendary Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson as another major selling point.

“They’re going to have an incredible work ethic because if you don’t have a great work ethic with the University of Houston, you’re not going to see the floor,” Branham said. “You’d better have a commitment to defense. All of his players are tough, all of his players are high IQ, all his players are going to play hard.”

Gave Emanuel Sharp an Eddie House comp last night after Sacramento grabbed him at 45 pic.twitter.com/cAgck3cJzM

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) June 25, 2026

Branham acknowledged that creating offense off the dribble remains the biggest area for improvement.

“I see him more as a three-and-D guy,” Branham said. “That’ll be something that he needs to add to his arsenal to improve his stock and his value as an NBA player.”

Sharp’s size also contributed to his lasting until the second round in the draft.

“If he was 6-6, 6-7, he’s probably a late first-round draft pick,” Branham said. “He’s a bulldog defensively… every defensive possession, he’s going to give it all he’s got.”

Ultimately, Branham believes Emanuel Sharp has all the tools to become a valuable role player in Sacramento.

“I don’t think he’s ever going to be the best offensive player on a really good NBA team,” Branham said. “But I think he can carve out that role where he’s one of the top role players on a really good NBA team.”

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.

New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.

29th pick Alex Karaban and 45th pick Emanuel Sharp are also expected to be in uniform for the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League action.

Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Sacramento Kings California Classic Schedule

Games played at Golden 1 Center

• Saturday, July 4th – vs. Brooklyn Nets (2 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 5th – vs. Golden State Warriors (2 p.m. PT)
• Monday, July 6th – vs. Milwaukee Bucks (7 p.m. PT)

Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

Games played at UNLV

• Thursday, July 9: vs. Los Angeles Clippers (8 p.m. PT)
• Sunday, July 12: vs. Washington Wizards (5 p.m. PT)
• Tuesday, July 14: vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 p.m. PT)
• Wednesday, July 15: vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. PT)
• Final game TBD

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