The Atlanta Hawks took a local product, Sharife Cooper, with the 48th-overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. Cooper had just finished a truncated collegiate career at Auburn where he averaged 20.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.3 rebounds in his lone season. What happened during his first NBA season, perhaps, even he did not see coming.
Cooper appeared in just 13 games for the Hawks this past season, all off of the bench. He finished with 0.5 points and 0.4 assists in three minutes per game.
An alum of Powder Springs High School, Cooper spent the majority of his season roughly 30 minutes away from his alma mater with the College Park Skyhawks. There, he put up 19.2 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.0 boards in 11 games with 10 starts.
Even with the time apart, Cooper shared strong feelings about learning from Trae Young.
Sharife Cooper sounds off on his first season with the Atlanta Hawks
Cooper was appearing on 11Alive News’ Sports Extra with Maria Martin on May 23. The conversation covered a wide variety of topics including, of course, Young who is coming off a historic season. Albeit, one that ended disappointingly with a 4-1 playoff series loss to the Miami Heat in the first round.
Despite what could have turned into a toxic situation, Cooper spoke glowingly of Young and the kind of player that he is.
Yesterday when I had @SharifeCooper in studio we talked about what it's like watching and learning from @TheTraeYoung. He had high praise for the #Hawks point guard.
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) May 23, 2022
"He's everything everybody believes him to be. One of the best players I've watched for sure." #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/EoZ8ODpnfh
Cooper quote tweeted that one from Martin with a strong message about his comments in the interview saying, “Ion really say things like this too often either” after which he tagged Young.
Young responded in-kind saying, “Game Recognize Game! You already know know what it is Killa”
As for Cooper not really saying things like that too often, that is probably because he thinks of himself as capable of reaching greater heights than what we saw last season. He does understand it is all a part of the process, though.
Loved having @SharifeCooper in studio with me today. REALLY good stuff from the #Hawks guard. Here's just a preview of what's to come on Sports Extra tonight at 11:30 on @11AliveNews
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) May 22, 2022
"I believe I'm a starting caliber point guard in the league." #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/PlEKpB0bAb
The Hawks had issues with breaking down the defense off of the dribble last season when Young was off the floor. They had it even worse when the Heat honed in on Young in the postseason.
Their plan was never for Cooper to see significant time with the big club this past season which is exactly what we saw play out.
That could – and perhaps, should – change next season assuming he gives them enough reason.
Even in a limited capacity, Cooper has a skill set that could help the Hawks in some situations throughout the regular season. And that is when trust is built to turn to him in more crucial moments.