Day’Ron Sharpe’s development into a dependable rotation piece for the Brooklyn Nets didn’t just happen overnight - and it almost didn’t happen in Brooklyn at all.
After a breakout campaign last season where he solidified himself as the reliable backup behind Nic Claxton, Sharpe hit free agency with momentum. Given his age, upside, and growing production, there was real reason to believe he’d command a sizable raise on the open market. But instead of chasing the biggest payday, Sharpe chose continuity - re-signing with the Nets on a two-year, $12.5 million deal.
That decision, it turns out, came with some real intrigue behind the scenes.
According to league sources, the Boston Celtics had their eyes on Sharpe during free agency. The Celtics, looking to bolster their frontcourt while navigating a tightening payroll, were reportedly prepared to offer Sharpe a shot at competing for their starting center role - albeit only on a minimum contract. That would’ve meant a deal worth just $2.46 million, a steep drop from what Brooklyn ultimately offered.
It’s not hard to see why Sharpe stayed put. The Nets offered more than just a bigger check - they offered stability, a defined role, and a system he’s already thriving in.
Now in his age-24 season, Sharpe is quietly putting together another strong campaign as Brooklyn’s second-unit anchor. He’s averaging 6.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting an efficient 58.4% from the field. His free-throw shooting is still a work in progress at 57.1%, but his overall impact has been steady - and he’s been available, appearing in 19 of the Nets’ first 20 games.
That availability matters. For a team that’s leaned heavily on Claxton as the starting center, having a reliable backup who can step in without a drop-off is critical.
And when Sharpe has been asked to take on a bigger load, he’s delivered. In 14 career starts, he’s averaged 11.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game - numbers that show he’s more than capable of producing when given extended minutes.
Sharpe may not be a household name yet, and he may never put up eye-popping box scores off the bench. But what he brings - physicality, rebounding, energy, and a growing feel for the game - is exactly what teams look for in a modern backup big. And for the Nets, who are trying to build a competitive core without sacrificing flexibility, Sharpe’s development is a win on all fronts.
Boston’s interest speaks volumes about how Sharpe is viewed around the league. But for now, Brooklyn gets to reap the benefits of a young big man who’s not just filling minutes - he’s earning them.