Day'Ron Sharpe on his struggles of missing games due to his hyperextended left knee

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Before he got injured, Day’Ron Sharpe was one of the best bright spots on the Brooklyn Nets roster. He was doing a fantastic job of being the team’s most reliable backup big, as the Nets never felt they were too small out there.
Unfortunately, Sharpe has been out for the past few weeks with a hyperextended left knee, which completely sidelined him from the lineup. Brooklyn is struggling without Sharpe’s presence and rebounding ability. For Day’Ron himself, it’s not been a walk in the park during his quest to return.
Day’Ron Sharpe has been a bright spot for the Nets this year…
— NBA University (@NBA_University) January 2, 2024
His much improved defense has allowed him to stay on the court where he‘s a beast offensive rebounder (99th percentile!) & efficient roll man (99th percentile!). Active, physical, good hands, mean, quality player. pic.twitter.com/HcxjypIb11
“I think it’s just been tough overall. I’m a basketball player. I like playing basketball. Not being able to be on the court, just to be able to shoot regular jump-shots, stuff like that, just kind of irritates me,” Day’Ron said during a shootaround interview. “Watching the game too, wanting to play, you know, that type of thing. So I’m trying to get back as fast as I can but make sure when I come back, I’m not going to sit back out.”
Day’Ron is a vital piece of the roster
Nic Claxton is the undisputed starter for the Brooklyn roster, but Sharpe has become a valuable piece of the system. Coach Jacque Vaughn can trust Day’Ron to play 15 to 25 minutes of pure hustle and stability.
Jacque Vaughn on Day'Ron Sharpe's recovery:
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 23, 2024
"He's really limited on the court right now: shooting free-throws, dribbling the basketball, no other players around him. No setbacks though... He said he had been feeling the best since the injury, which was good to hear." pic.twitter.com/jOxhHSy7XH
The former North Carolina Tar Heel has superb rebounding instincts, as he does not rely on having the highest jump or the strongest body. Day’Ron mostly relies on timing with his rebounds, cementing him as one of the best backup centers in the league.
Day’Ron is racing his way back
A knee injury is challenging to return from, but Day’Ron is doing his best to do it properly with solid speed. He has been working hard during the rehabilitation process, and he’s bound to return sometime soon.
“I really don’t get hurt that bad. It’s just tough. And I was playing well, so you know, I’m just trying to get back into the flow of things and just start back up where I finished,” Sharpe said during the same shootaround.
Day’Ron Sharpe riding the stationary bike at today’s Nets shootaround. It’s re-evaluation week for him. Getting closer. pic.twitter.com/nCbFAbUtGC
— C.J. Holmes (@HolmesScribe) January 23, 2024
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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.
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