While most eyes are glued to Brooklyn’s big free agency moves, there’s a quieter, more subtle question floating under the radar: what’s the future for Day’Ron Sharpe?
At just 23 years old, Sharpe has proven to be more than just a hustle guy. This past season, he averaged a solid 7.9 points and grabbed 6.6 rebounds per game, showing flashes of real promise on both ends of the floor. His offensive rebounding? Elite. He’s the kind of player who consistently fights for second-chance points. Defensively, Sharpe has become a reliable piece in Brooklyn’s aggressive scheme, using his mobility to switch on guards and disrupt plays.
But here’s where the tricky part comes in. The Nets just recently locked up Nic Claxton, their star big man, to a huge four-year, $100 million deal. Claxton averaged 10.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game last season, shooting an efficient 56.3% from the field. He’s Brooklyn’s clear centerpiece in the paint and an incredibly skilled rim protector
So the big question: Can the Nets afford to pay two solid big men like Claxton and Sharpe?
It comes down to whether or not the Nets are capable of affording to keep two big men when the cap space might be better spent elsewhere. Claxton is clearly Brooklyn’s future, the anchor of their frontcourt, and the team has made that commitment loud and clear. Sharpe, on the other hand, is talented but still finding his NBA footing.
That being said, the answer is clearly YES. Brooklyn loves Sharpe’s hustle and the way he fits into their aggressive defense. He’s the kind of player coaches adore , willing to do the dirty work, rotate hard, and never back down.
The Nets have the cap space and flexibility, and even if, for whatever reason, Sharpe and the organization hit a rough patch during the season or the fit is just not working out anymore, Sharpe could become a valuable trade chip. His youth, size, and skill set make him attractive to teams that want a tough, energetic big.
In the end, Sharpe is Brooklyn’s “what-if” player. A guy with clear potential, a strong work ethic, and a role that’s not yet locked down. Watching how the Nets handle this quietly complicated situation might tell us a lot about how serious they are about competing now or how willing they are to be patient with growth.