Is Sharpe a Key Piece To Nets’ Success as a Starter?

The starting center role is Day'Ron Sharpe's to lose when the Brooklyn Nets' training camp begins next month. Brooklyn trading Nicolas Claxton -- the longest-tenured player -- to the Chicago Bulls created this opening for Sharpe. He has been his backup since the team drafted him in 2021. His high-motor and rebounding prowess have always stood out on the floor. When a shot goes up, he looks for a man to box out and keeps his eye on the ball to rebound it. Sharpe has averaged over six rebounds for three straight seasons. The 6-foot-10 center has generated nearly three extra possessions per game from offensive rebounds and holds the highest career offensive rebounding percentage in NBA history (18.3%). He surpasses legends Dennis Rodman and Jayson Williams. The Nets value the 24-year-old, keeping him out of trades and increasing his salary yearly. HoopsHype's Michael Scotto noted Brooklyn's interest in acquiring Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics. Michael Porter Jr. and several first-round picks were the framework in any star deal, and Boston was reportedly interested in the young backup center. Ultimately, the Celtics dealt Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. Over the past two seasons, the Nets have declined Sharpe's team options to raise his salary. They signed him to a two-year, $12 million contract last offseason. He got a $4 million raise this offseason in a new two-year, $20 million contract. His standing within the organization is high, and he may be an X-factor to their success next season. Brooklyn struggles without him on the floor. It posted a -12.4 net rating when he was on the bench and saw an eight-point increase when he was on the court. Sharpe ended the season missing the final 20 games, sustaining a torn UCL in his left thumb. The injury before Brooklyn's 108-97 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on March 12. He's approached this offseason with the mindset to improve his game. The 2021 first-round pick's points, assists and rebounds have increased every season, displaying similar growth as his teammate, Noah Clowney. "So it’s just all about showing growth and getting better overall," Sharpe said after the Nets' loss to the Hawks on April 3. "From year one to now, I feel like this season was another year of growth, so I’m just trying to build off that and continue to show growth in my career." Brooklyn is no longer in a position to tank for a lottery pick anymore. Trading for Randle added a veteran presence to the team, and rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr. could be the franchise's next lead point guard. General manager Sean Marks has built a team that can compete every night. His commitment to Sharpe makes him part of a growing young core aiming to make noise next season after a 20-62 record last year.