Emanuel Sharp: Sacramento Was “Where I Was Supposed to Be”

Many draft experts were surprised that Emanuel Sharp didn’t come off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft. But the nature of the second round now seems to be more of a free agency than anything.

“It’s not about picks, it’s about fit,” Sharp said in an exclusive interview with Sactown Sports following the conclusion of his first Summer League. “I feel like I could’ve gone earlier, but I might not be in the same situation.”

Coming out of Houston after four seasons with the Cougars, the guard left as the school’s all-time leader in made three-pointers and earned Big-12 All-Defensive honors. That valuable skill set is what appealed to NBA teams, and it’s certainly one the Sacramento Kings could benefit from adding to their roster.

It’s also what made Emanuel Sharp available at pick No. 45 a bit surprising, but Sharp said he wasn’t slighted by that.

“I would rather go way later or undrafted with a team that really wants me than a team that would maybe take me on a two-way contract or a team that’s not as big on me at an earlier pick,” he said.

Not long after selecting the 22-year-old, Sacramento general manager Scott Perry agreed to a three-year contract worth approximately $6.3 million. The final year includes a team option.

“Scott (Perry) and Coach Doug (Christie) and the rest of the coaching staff, they really believe in me,” Emanuel Sharp told Sactown Sports. Signing a sizeable deal with the Kings rather than a two-way contract likely speaks to their confidence in his ability to contribute sooner rather than later.

“Whether that’s pick 45, pick 60, or undrafted, I feel like Sacramento was where I was supposed to be,” the rookie continued. “When I got to Sacramento, they really gave me the big picture, and they got a plan for me and a vision.”

It’s easy to see how he fits what GM Scott Perry and Coach Christie have been preaching for over a season now. Sharp fits their desired identity of competitiveness, toughness, defense, spacing, and a willingness to learn/embrace his role.

Carving out a rotational spot may take some time, but a point-of-attack defense combined with a stellar ability to space the floor provides a combination the Kings don’t have elsewhere as of now.

He already showed that throughout the California Classic and Las Vegas Summer League, but will still need to prove himself at the NBA level.

It’s already clear that Emanuel Sharp may end up being more talented than his draft slot, but he valued fit and being valued above all else.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

With Summer League in the rearview, the Sacramento Kings will head into the dog days of summer and the NBA offseason looking to stabilize its roster for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

Will general manager Scott Perry make any more significant moves? How will this roster look come the start of training camp this fall?

Stay tuned to Sactown Sports all offseason long for Sacramento Kings updates, analysis, and much more.

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin
• October 5th – October 18th – Sacramento Kings Preseason Games

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