Sean Cunningham: Emanuel Sharp is ready to help the Kings immediately

Emanuel Sharp is wasting no time making an impression on Sacramento Kings fans.

The 45th pick in the NBA Draft out of Houston, Sharp arrived with the reputation of a physical, competitive guard who could space the floor and defend. Through four games at Las Vegas Summer League, he’s lived up to that billing–and then some.

After shooting 37 percent from three-point range during his college career at Houston, Emanuel Sharp has translated that stroke to the pro setting.

In Vegas, he’s averaging 15.8 points and 2.8 steals per game while shooting 36 percent from deep, exactly the kind of three-and-D profile Sacramento has been searching for on the perimeter.

KCRA’s Sean Cunningham, speaking with Sactown Sports’ Jason Ross, repeatedly pointed to Sharp as one of the Kings’ clear standouts in Vegas. Describing the often ugly nature of Summer League hoops, Cunningham still singled him out.

“This is some haphazard basketball. Just don’t get hurt. Go out there, show you can compete,” Cunningham said. “And I think all three of these guys, but particularly with Sharp, I think he was the standout. If I’m a Kings fan, I’m looking at that and going, ‘Yep, we need that. We definitely need that here in Sacramento.’”

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 04: Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings shoots a three-point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half in the California Classic a NBA Summer League game at Golden 1 Center on July 04, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

More on Kings guard Emanuel Sharp

What’s separating Emanuel Sharp isn’t just shooting—it’s competitiveness and edge. Cunningham highlighted how Sharp responded when things went sideways, especially in the ugly showing against Brooklyn on Tuesday night.

“He kind of went out there and all of a sudden started mixing up with some guys,” Cunningham said. “A little bit of physicality, wasn’t going to get pushed around. Made some incredible defensive plays, especially in that second half. As he says, he takes things personally.”

That mentality, paired with his three-point shooting, is exactly why Emanuel Sharp looks like a natural fit on a Kings team that “really lacks shooting,” as Cunningham put it.

Even if the rookie has to fight through a numbers game to crack the rotation right away, Cunningham expressed full belief in his long-term impact.

“I have every bit of confidence in the world that he will be able to play himself into some sort of rotational piece. It’s a good start.”

If Summer League is a glimpse of what’s to come, Emanuel Sharp’s blend of shooting, toughness, and defensive playmaking gives the Kings a promising, fan-favorite guard to build with.

Listen to The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross from 6 – 10 a.m. PDT, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

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What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?

Emanuel Sharp and the Sacramento Kings will conclude their Las Vegas Summer League slate on Friday afternoon when they face the Charlotte Hornets at 3:30 PM PT at UNLV’s Pavilion.

Sactown Sports will be ON SITE in Las Vegas ALL WEEK LONG from July 12-19th! Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!

Upcoming Sacramento Kings Offseason Schedule

• Thursday, July 9th – Sunday, July 19th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League
• August TBD – 2026-27 NBA Schedule release
• Late September – NBA training camps begin

2026 Sacramento Kings Las Vegas Summer League Schedule

• Friday, July 17th: vs. Charlotte Hornets – 3:30 p.m. PT (Prime)

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