The Brooklyn Nets are one of many worst rebounding groups within the NBA. Jordi Fernandez’s group ranks twenty sixth in defensive rebounding share this season, a deficiency that has performed a major function in its Twenty third-ranked protection.
Brooklyn is hoping Day’Ron Sharpe’s return from a hamstring harm may assist alleviate these struggles.
“Rebound,” Fernandez responded when requested in regards to the greatest expertise Sharpe gives. “He bought six rebounds in 16 minutes [against the Indiana Pacers]. When you do it in line with 36 [minutes]I believe that tells you the influence he has on rebounding, and we wrestle as a group with our defensive rebounding share.
Sharpe has been a dominant rebounder all through his younger NBA profession. The 2021 first-round choose averaged 14.5 rebounds per 36 minutes over his first three seasons, the fourth within the league amongst gamers to play at the very least 1,200 minutes.
He ranked second within the league in rebounding share final season, his first as a full-time member of the Nets’ rotation, behind Andre Drummond.
Day’Ron Sharpe’s return may increase the Nets’ frontcourt in a number of areas
Nonetheless, Sharpe made progress in a number of different areas in 2023-24, offering confidence in his capability to be a rotation-caliber heart long-term. The North Carolina product confirmed enhancements as a pick-and-roll passer, finisher and defender, three areas of weak spot earlier in his profession.
Sharpe posted a 13.4 help share, rating within the seventy fifth percentile amongst NBA large males, in line with Cleansing the Glass. He shot a career-high 69 p.c from the rim, in line with Basketball Reference.
“He’s additionally nice in pick-and-roll [on both ends]“, Fernández stated. “He simply does an incredible job impacting the ball [defensively]. He is quick for his measurement. It helps us defend the rim. Offensively, he is rolling arduous…I simply need him to maintain enjoying the identical manner.
Sharpe instantly made an influence on Brooklyn’s second unit in Wednesday’s 99-90 win over the Pacers. The backup heart scored seven factors on 3-of-6 taking pictures with six rebounds, an help and a steal, ending with a team-best plus-22 rating.
“I simply don’t play usually,” Sharpe stated of the largest problem of getting back from harm. “I have not performed for actual since final season. I am simply getting used to the brand new performs they’re setting up after I damage my hamstring, the employees, the gamers, the tempo of the sport. It is actually just like the energy of my legs… I simply did [things] like I ought to, doing additional lifts, additional preparation, to ensure my leg stays robust so I can proceed to do what they want me to do on the sphere.
Sharpe exhibits assured three-point shot in Pacers win
Sharpe confirmed one other space of potential progress in opposition to Indiana, changing considered one of two three-point makes an attempt. He shot respectably from past the arc in a tiny pattern measurement over his first three seasons, changing 12 of 33 makes an attempt (36.4%).
“Personally, I at all times really feel like I can shoot,” Sharpe stated. “I simply felt prefer it was a superb alternative. My coaches consider in me. I really feel like everybody on the employees and on the group believes, they see that I can shoot, they consider that I can shoot. So simply [having] belief and institution.
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Sharpe extending his vary past the three-point line would enhance his long-term ceiling within the NBA. Fernandez stated the massive man had the inexperienced gentle below the best circumstances.
“All of our guys know what a superb shot is for us,” the coach stated. “He does a superb job every single day, and so long as that job is completed and he is aware of what a superb shot is, I’m all for that.”
Sharpe’s influence upon his return is a welcome sight for a Nets frontcourt that has struggled with accidents early within the season. His efficiency throughout a contract season may decide his future with the group.
The fourth-year heart can be a restricted free agent this summer season after failing to safe a rookie-level extension with Brooklyn.
