Inside The Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe wants to maximize every minute he gets for the Nets

After yet another impressive performance against the Washington Wizards, Day’Ron Sharpe had drawn praise.
Peter Sunjic|
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Brooklyn Nets

As a backup big man for the Brooklyn Nets, Day’Ron Sharpe does not have plenty of opportunities, minute-wise, to show what he is capable of doing. Fortunately, the limited playing time has been advantageous for Sharpe, as he has demonstrated effectiveness on the court, contributing to his overall well-being and performance.

In the latest win against the Washington Wizards, Sharpe had a 15-point and 11-rebound double-double in just 19 minutes of action. This was matched by his teammate and fellow center Nic Claxton, who had 13 points and 15 rebounds. 

That kind of performance is why Sharpe has drawn legitimate praise from his teammates and coach, Jacque Vaughn.

“When I get in, I just play, for real. Sometimes I feel like I played 30 minutes, but I played 15, you know? It's just how it is. I just play when I play,” Sharpe said in the shootaround before the Wizards game.

Sharpe is a special rebounder

In just 15.9 minutes per game, Sharpe is averaging 6.6 rebounds, with 2.4 of them coming from the offensive glass. He is one of the league’s best rebounders because if those stats are looked at in the per 36-minute metric, he is averaging 14.9 rebounds per game.

He is not particularly athletic like Claxton but he has solid rebounding instincts while also possessing a solid body to box out his matchups. This uncanny rebounding ability helps the Nets get more possessions and score more points.

When asked about the key behind his rebounding, Sharpe made sure to highlight what happens in the paint.

“I just know if the big dude goes to block a shot, it's more than likely a little guy trying to box me out. And he ain't going to box me out,” Sharpe said after the Wizards game.

Sharpe forms a solid one-two punch with Claxton

Sharpe and Claxton have truly shone as our go-to guys at the center position, effortlessly holding down the fort when stepping in for each other. It's been a three-year journey for us, and this marks our third season together, with Clax guiding and mentoring the young center along the way.

This has paid off for both players because they can rely on each other to pick up the pieces whenever one sits on the bench. Sharpe himself is impressed by how they’re playing with each other.

“Me and Nic being together for the last three years, we have that chemistry together… We just complement each other,” he added. 

Published
Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

Share on XFollow BN_Sunjic
Home/News