Day'Ron Sharpe’s Steady Growth Anchors Nets’ Frontcourt Rotation
The Brooklyn Nets have leaned into a reliable formula at the center position this season: 48 minutes of high-energy, physical basketball split between starter Nic Claxton and backup Day’Ron Sharpe. It’s a two-man operation that’s quietly become one of the more dependable aspects of Brooklyn’s rotation-and Sharpe’s evolution is a big reason why.
Sharpe, now in his fourth season, has continued to bring his trademark rebounding tenacity and hustle off the bench. But what’s been just as important as his motor is the refinement in his offensive game, particularly around the rim. That growth hasn’t happened by accident.
Nets assistant coach Juwan Howard, who joined Brooklyn’s staff two seasons ago, has been working closely with Sharpe to sharpen one critical area: finishing in the paint. On a recent episode of The Nets Pod with Sarah Kustok, Howard broke down the progress they’ve made-and the work still to be done.
“When he gets an offensive rebound, sometimes he rushes the shot,” Howard explained. “There are moments when he’s off-balance or trying to score over a smaller defender and it doesn’t go well. I’ve been watching how his body moves-he’s going east and west or falling back while shooting.”
It’s the kind of detail that can separate a serviceable big from a truly impactful one. And Sharpe has taken the coaching to heart. The numbers back it up: he’s converting 71.2% of his shots from within three feet of the rim since Howard came aboard-a noticeable jump from his previous high of 68.8% in that range before the coaching change.
This season, Sharpe’s averaging 8.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 61.1% from the field. He’s also knocking down nearly 68% of his free throws, a solid mark for a big man who thrives in physical, paint-heavy situations. But what really jumps off the page is how much more effective he becomes when given extended minutes.
In games where Sharpe logs starter-level minutes, his production scales up significantly: 13.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, all while maintaining that same efficient 61.1% shooting clip. It’s not just volume-it’s quality.
That blend of energy and improved patience has made Sharpe a valuable piece for Brooklyn. He’s not just crashing the glass anymore-he’s reading the floor better, using his body more effectively, and finishing with a level of control that wasn’t always there in his earlier seasons.
For a Nets team that’s still figuring out its long-term identity, Sharpe’s development offers a bright spot. He’s proving he can be more than just a spark plug off the bench. With continued growth, especially under the guidance of a coach like Howard, Sharpe is positioning himself as a key part of Brooklyn’s frontcourt future-one patient finish at a time.