Trail Blazers' Shaedon Sharpe: Begins non-contact practice

Head coach Chauncey Billups said Wednesday that Sharpe (abdomen) has started participating in non-contact practice with the G League's Rip City Remix, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Sharpe's involvement in non-contact progress is a meaningful step forward in his recovery from lower abdominal surgery, but the 20-year-old guard's return to game action isn't yet imminent. He should gradually increase the intensity of his workouts in the G League and eventually take contact, but the Trail Blazers already appear to be counting Sharpe out from playing in their two-week, seven-game road trip that kicks off Monday in Houston. Portland is seemingly hopeful that Sharpe can return during its final homestand of the season, which begins April 9 versus the Pelicans.