As the Brooklyn Nets head into the home stretch of the NBA season, the focus isn’t just on wins and losses-it’s about development, identity, and laying the groundwork for what’s next. Despite a tough record, the Nets have a few bright spots worth watching. And while Michael Porter Jr. has taken some time to recharge, a few of his teammates have been heating up, showing flashes of growth that could shape the second half of the season-and maybe even their long-term roles in Brooklyn.
Let’s break down three Nets players who’ve been trending upward and are poised to make some noise the rest of the way.
Day’Ron Sharpe: Gaining Confidence-and Consistency-in the Paint
Don’t let the box scores fool you-Day’Ron Sharpe is doing more than just putting up numbers. He’s starting to look like a player who’s figuring things out. In February alone, he dropped 19 points on three separate occasions, showing off a growing confidence in his offensive game.
A big reason for that uptick? Assistant coach Juwan Howard. The former NBA big man has taken a hands-on role in Sharpe’s development, zeroing in on one key area: finishing inside.
"I looked and saw that there was a part of his game that we need to work on and improve on and that was his finishing in the paint," Howard said recently on the Nets Pod with Sarah Kustok.
That attention to detail is paying off. Sharpe’s touch around the rim is improving, and he’s becoming more decisive when he gets the ball down low. He’s also crashing the boards with purpose and bringing a physical presence that the Nets have needed in the frontcourt.
Whether his future lies in Brooklyn or elsewhere, Sharpe is making a strong case for a more consistent role-and possibly a starting spot-moving forward.
Nic Claxton: Defensive Anchor with Bigger Goals
Nic Claxton has been the backbone of Brooklyn’s interior defense all season, and he’s not shy about where he wants to take his game. According to Howard, Claxton’s got his sights set high: “His goal is Defensive Player of the Year because of his athleticism as well as his ability to protect the rim.”
That ambition isn’t just talk. Claxton entered the All-Star break riding a hot streak offensively, hitting double digits in scoring in five straight games. That kind of consistency is new territory for the big man, and it’s a sign that he’s rounding out his game.
But Claxton’s impact isn’t just about points. He’s become a reliable distributor from the post, showing improved vision and decision-making when the defense collapses. His ability to anchor the defense while keeping the offense moving makes him one of the most valuable pieces on the roster right now.
If he keeps this up, Claxton won’t just be in the conversation for league-wide defensive honors-he’ll be a cornerstone for whatever Brooklyn builds next.
Nolan Traore: Rookie Rising
Every season, there’s a rookie who starts to turn heads after the All-Star break. For the Nets, that player might be Nolan Traore.
The first-year guard is starting to find his rhythm, and his recent performances suggest he’s just scratching the surface. Traore notched his first career double-double against the Bulls, then followed it up with a 20-point outing against the Pacers-a performance that earned praise from Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle, a two-time NBA champion.
Traore’s ability to attack the lane and create for others is starting to shine through. He’s not just playing with energy-he’s playing with control, reading defenses better and making smarter decisions with the ball. That’s a big leap for a rookie, and it’s one that has Nets fans excited about what’s to come.
With fellow young talent Egor Demin also in the fold, Brooklyn has a pair of intriguing prospects to develop. Traore, in particular, is showing signs that he could be a key piece in the Nets’ long-term backcourt plans.
The Road Ahead
Brooklyn may not be in the thick of the playoff race, but this final stretch of the season matters. It’s a chance for players like Sharpe, Claxton, and Traore to solidify roles, build chemistry, and show the front office what they’re capable of when given the opportunity.
And while head coach and front-office decisions will shape the bigger picture, it’s these individual growth stories that could define how the Nets approach the offseason-and beyond.