Brooklyn Nets rookie Day’Ron Sharpe had played sparingly to begin the season, but the team has given him a more prominent role of late, and the 29th pick has responded in a big way.
Sharpe has started each of the past five games for the Nets, averaging 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. Prior to that stretch, Sharpe had totaled 64 points in 114 minutes across 14 appearances off the bench.
In his latest effort, Sharpe produced 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal in a 119-118 win over the Washington Wizards. The performance marked his third straight game in double figures, his longest streak of the season.
Afterward, Steve Nash explained how Sharpe has progressed this season.
He has more of a feel for the actions. They are different than college; there is way more space. You have to cover territories. You gotta cover people in space. You gotta be able to recover to athletic, talented people to have a slight advantage to try to slow down that advantage.
I think he has done a good job of finding those reads, using his physicality but I think he also uses his intelligence. I think he has a good feel for that stuff. It is coming along quickly for a young guy because he does have a natural feel for some of those things.
Brooklyn has dealt with several injuries lately. Kevin Durant (knee), Nic Claxton (hamstring), Paul Millsap (personal) and DeAndre’ Bembry (back) have missed time, which paved the way for Sharpe to see a larger role.
There’s so much to like about Day’Ron Sharpe the timing on this hand off and the purpose with the hard roll is so smooth for a rookie big man. pic.twitter.com/P2mJJUwOv4
— Jac Manuell (@JacManuell) January 20, 2022
Heading into the season, Sharpe was expected to play in a mostly developmental role with so many veterans ahead of him on the roster. However, the team has turned to him and the rookie has produced when called upon.
He has loved being able to not only start, but also contribute as of late.
(I didn’t) think I would start this season at all. I thought I was going to come off the bench and provide a little spark off the bench but I wasn’t expecting to start. … It is a dream to play in the NBA and start in the NBA in my first year on a championship-contending team. Just not be able to start but actually be able to help the team win. I’m not just on the court, I’m actually trying to help the team win. I’m actually productive things so it’s a good feeling.
While Sharpe wasn’t expecting to play much this season, the 20-year-old has produced in his latest stint. The playing time may not be there for him once more players return from injury but Sharpe has proven he can be counted on in spot minutes.
That may ultimately pay off for the Nets in the end.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
