The Brooklyn Nets have gone through quite the transition since their championship-contending window that started in 2019. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and several other contributors are no longer on the team. However, highly promising draft packs from 2021 and beyond remain with the franchise. Day'Ron Sharpe is one of those players, and he is preparing to take the next step in his development during the 2024-25 NBA season.
Before joining the Nets, Day'Ron Sharpe played one season with the North Carolina basketball program. He averaged 9.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and made the 2020-2021 ACC All-Freshman First Team. Brooklyn selected Sharpe with the 29th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Sharpe's start with the Nets began during a time when the team had numerous veterans alongside Durant and Irving. The Nets started the 2021-22 season with LaMarcus Aldrige, Andre Drummond, and Blake Griffin in addition to Nicolas Claxton. Thus, Sharpe spent most of his time in the G League that season, but he was highly impressive. The 6'9" center averaged a whopping 19.0 points and 13.3 rebounds with the Long Island Nets.
Sharpe's role did not change much the following season with Nic Claxton getting increased minutes for the Nets. Sharpe put together another strong year in the G League before getting a greater opportunity with Brooklyn during the 2023-24 season. This opportunity paints the picture of how his rise with the Nets is coming together with perfect timing.
Day'Ron Sharpe is no longer held back
As mentioned, Sharpe started his career playing behind vets, and Nic Claxton was drafted two years ahead of him, so it makes sense that Brooklyn has prioritized him. But now, the Nets are in a full rebuild, and Sharpe is Claxton's direct backup.
The Nets experimented with bringing Sharpe off the bench during the 2023-24 season, and the results were promising. In 61 games, Sharpe averaged an earnest 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds. He gave Brooklyn a greater glimpse of his stout interior presence, and he should get increased playing time during the 2024-25 season.
Sharpe played 15.1 minutes per game in 2023-24, but he could play up to 20 during the upcoming season. As a result, his points and rebounds could fluctuate into the double digits. A lot of what happens depends on how Brooklyn uses rising second-year big man Noah Clowney. Clowney can play the center position but seems to be more suited as a power forward.
Nets fans can expect more improvement from Day'Ron Sharpe as he enters his fourth season with the team. The double-double machine is ready to take the next step and up Brooklyn's interior game.