Tag: Day’Ron Sharpe

2021 NBA Redraft: Would Nets still select Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe?

If the Nets could redraft the 2021 class, would the team still select Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe in the first round?

If given the chance and knowledge of how the 2021-22 NBA season would play out, would the Brooklyn Nets do anything differently on the night of the 2021 NBA Draft?

Over at Rookie Wire, Cody Taylor redrafted the entire 2021 draft class, and while there was some movement near the top (notably, Franz Wagner shot up the board after a solid rookie season), the Nets also switched up with the 27th overall pick. Instead of selecting Cam Thomas, who averaged 8.5 points across 67 appearances in his rookie season, Brooklyn opted for guard Jose Alvarado, who blossomed late in the year for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Via Rookie Wire:

“Alvarado had a tremendous second half of the season as the Pelicans qualified for the playoffs and took the Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round. He became a fan favorite with his infectious energy and effort, especially on the defensive end of the floor. He indeed showed he should have been drafted last year after emerging as a key player in New Orleans.”

Later on in the first round, Taylor has the Nets snatching up Houston’s Usman Garuba, who tumbled from his original 2021 draft position, with the 24th overall pick.

“Garuba had a tough rookie campaign and was limited to just 24 games after dealing with a wrist injury that needed surgery. However, he still projects to have a bright future after dazzling in Spain prior to moving to the NBA. He can do quite a bit on the court and looks to bounce back this season.”

[mm-video type=video id=01gappakhjpr5bkntxt1 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gappakhjpr5bkntxt1/01gappakhjpr5bkntxt1-6010de9ae8a0b31321313a2876f6635a.jpg]

[listicle id=46738]

New mock trade has Nets acquiring Myles Turner from Pacers in a deal

Turner is one of the most credible stretch bigs in the NBA. As someone who is far more likely to pop than roll after picking for his ball-handler, maybe the only better fit next to Simmons is Karl-Anthony Towns.

The NBA is quiet right now, so it’s the perfect time to get creative. Over at Bleacher Report, that creative process manifests in mock trades. One new mock trade has the Brooklyn Nets acquiring Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers.

 

 

 

WATCH: Day’Ron Sharpe throws down big dunk in Summer League

Former UNC basketball standout Day’Ron Sharpe had a monster dunk in his first NBA Summer League game of the year.

Former UNC basketball standout [autotag]Day’Ron Sharpe[/autotag] threw down a big dunk in his 2022 NBA Summer League debut for the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night in Las Vegas.

Sharpe was a draft pick of the Nets in the 2021 NBA draft but is getting some more experience by playing in this year’s Summer League, in hopes of earning a bigger role come next season. And in his first game, he finished with 8 points and 10 rebounds with a +6 in the loss to Milwaukee.

However, it was this dunk of Sharpe’s that stood out and stole the show as he threw down the hammer:

Sharpe appeared in 32 games for Brooklyn a season ago, averaging 6.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. He shot 57.7 percent from the field but never really got into a groove for Brooklyn.

With the Nets looking to move on from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the roster will look a lot different next year. That could provide Sharpe with the chance to earn more playing time and a spot in the rotation.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Nets’ Steve Nash explains how Day’Ron Sharpe has progressed

Sharpe has started in each of the last five games, averaging 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block in that stretch.

Brooklyn Nets rookie Day’Ron Sharpe had played sparingly to begin the season, but the team has given him a more prominent role as of late and the 29th pick has responded in a big way.

Sharpe has started in each of the last five games for the Nets, averaging 12 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one blocked shot. Prior to that stretch, Sharpe had totaled only 64 points in 114 minutes across 14 appearances off of 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 as of late. Kevin Durant (knee), Nic Claxton (hamstring), Paul Millsap (personal) and DeAndre’ Bembry (back) have all missed time as of late, which has paved the way for Sharpe to see a larger role.

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!

[lawrence-related id=48620,46919,45042]

[mm-video type=video id=01fstn8tf05cdwpd5s71 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fstn8tf05cdwpd5s71/01fstn8tf05cdwpd5s71-30df638a8f97cf48bf2417c020169f76.jpg]

[listicle id=48902]

Nets rookie Day’Ron Sharpe on adjusting to the grueling NBA schedule

“Last night, we got back at 5 o’clock in the morning and had a game the next day.”

The string of COVID-19 postponements the Nets encountered in December forced the NBA cram extra games into Brooklyn’s schedule, and the Nets just finished an exhausting run of four games in five days – including a particularly grueling back-to-back.

After taking down the Spurs in overtime on Sunday at the Barclays Center, the Nets flew across the country to play in Portland, losing 114-108. The team then had one off day, before dominating the Bulls on the road in late 10 p.m. ET tipoff on Wednesday night. Less than 24 hours later, the team was back at home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder on very little sleep.

Nets rookie Day’Ron Sharpe said after the game that he hadn’t gotten to sleep until 5 a.m. that morning, but wasn’t using that as an excuse for the Nets’ loss.

[mm-video type=video id=01fs9yw2hpkhcj8g2tmm playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fs9yw2hpkhcj8g2tmm/01fs9yw2hpkhcj8g2tmm-176e9a3ad499593efe0c8d4ef1f5ac0f.jpg]

[listicle id=32155]

Nets at Bulls: Brooklyn runs away with it in clash of the East’s top teams

The Brooklyn Nets put the hurt on the Chicago Bulls as stars James Harden and Kevin Durant showed out.

The Brooklyn Nets put the clamps on the Chicago Bulls en route to a massive 138-112 win in Chicago at the United Center. Guard James Harden put on a passing display during the team’s long second-half scoring run, pushing the team to a 38 point lead at one point in the fourth.

The Nets scored 37 or more points in three of the four quarters Wednesday, including both in the second half. The team saw four 20-plus point scorers on the day, with Harden, Kevin Durant, Patty Mills and rookie Day’Ron Sharpe all hitting the threshold. Sharpe was able to do it in just 22 minutes, as he dealt with some foul trouble.

Brooklyn did everything it needed to win. The team moved the ball well — assisting on 35 baskets on the night — shot the lights out, rebounded, secured the ball, harrassed the Bulls’ ballhandlers to force turnovers on the defensive end and got to the line.

If the whole team were to get a grade, it would be an A+, but here are some player-specific grades from Wednesday’s late-night win.

Steve Nash: Kessler Edwards was outstanding to help shorthanded Nets

With just eight players available, the Nets were forced to turn to several rookies and they stepped up in a big way on Tuesday.

With just eight healthy players available, the Brooklyn Nets needed the assistance of four rookies but the group managed to scrape and claw its way to a narrow overtime win over the Toronto Raptors.

Kevin Durant led the way with 34 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists in 48 minutes for his 14th career triple-double while Patty Mills had 30 points in the 131-129 victory, including a 3-pointer late in regulation to send the game to overtime.

The 48 minutes were the most logged by Durant in a single-overtime regular-season game since 2014.

Brooklyn received huge contributions from two-way rookies David Duke Jr. and Kessler Edwards. Duke produced a career-high 10 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Edwards had a career-high 17 points and 10 rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting from the field.

The double-doubles for Duke and Edwards were the first of their careers.

Nets head coach Steve Nash said Edwards was outstanding in the win.

He was outstanding, obviously. (He had) 17 and 10 with two steals, two assists and three 3s. He started the game and he didn’t run in for a dunk, he gave up an offensive rebound and we just told him: ‘Be aggressive. Have fun out there. You’re a good player. Show it!’ Then he responded so I’m really proud of him and all of these guys.

The Nets announced prior to the contest that James Harden and Bruce Brown were placed into the health and safety protocols. They joined LaMarcus Aldridge, DeAndre’ Bembry, Jevon Carter and James Johnson in the protocols, leaving Brooklyn with just eight players.

The 8 players available to play on Tuesday: 

  • G: David Duke Jr., Patty Mills, Cam Thomas
  • F: Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Kessler Edwards
  • C: Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe

The contest on Tuesday was just the third of the season for both Duke and Edwards. They had played primarily in the NBA G League with the Long Island Nets but were called upon with Brooklyn down six players in health and safety protocols.

Durant credited Edwards and Duke for fueling him down the stretch.

I was gassed for sure there in that fourth (quarter). To see Kess, Patty, Duke and Blake make plays in that fourth reenergized me going into that fourth. I was able to hit a couple of shots there in the overtime and give us a small cushion and then Patty was just an assassin tonight. It was an overall team effort and words can’t describe how proud I am to be a part of this group. It was incredible.

Players entered into the health and safety protocols this season are forced to sit out for a minimum of 10 days. However, they can be cleared to play sooner if they return two consecutive negative PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart.

With the status of those six players in question, the Nets will need to continue to rely on the likes of Duke, Edwards, Thomas and Sharpe. They each stepped up when their team needed them to and that should be an encouraging development moving forward.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=44981,45042,43332]

[mm-video type=video id=01fpxtz7r8ajmqh86q1r playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fpxtz7r8ajmqh86q1r/01fpxtz7r8ajmqh86q1r-945ad81069a95516e686f10c52e47848.jpg]

[listicle id=46779]

Nets’ Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe practice with G League team

Thomas and Sharpe on Monday were each assigned to the Long Island Nets in the NBA G League.

Brooklyn Nets rookies Cameron Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe were each assigned to the NBA G League on Monday to practice with the Long Island Nets, the team announced.

The two players have yet to see meaningful playing time with the Nets to start the season. Thomas has totaled just five minutes during two appearances, while Sharpe has logged just one minute through the Nets’ first three games.

Nets head coach Steve Nash previously said Thomas and Sharpe would likely have a tough time cracking the rotation, at least to start the season. With playing time at a minimum, they each could spend time with Long Island in the G League.

They are both expected to be available to play on Monday versus the Washington Wizards.

[mm-video type=video id=01fj0ca43tqjjyv0tkpc playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fj0ca43tqjjyv0tkpc/01fj0ca43tqjjyv0tkpc-7b632501aae61837b113dd6dc0aff848.jpg]

Thomas averaged 10.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in four games with the Nets during the preseason on 40% shooting from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Sharpe posted 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and one steal in two games.

Of course, the Nets have a roster full of veteran players designed to compete for a championship. Thomas and Sharpe may not see a ton of time in the NBA but will likely shuttle back and forth between Long Island and Brooklyn to stay fresh in the G League.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=40172,36117,39833]

[listicle id=42272]

Brooklyn Nets news: Nets sign David Duke Jr. on two-way deal

David Duke Jr. secures a two-way deal after averaging 4.3 PPG, 4 RPG and 1 SPG in the preseason.

Providence college product David Duke Jr. has secured a spot with the Brooklyn Nets. Sources have told Shams Charania and the Athletic that Duke will be signing a two-way deal with the Nets. Of course, this means the 22-year-old is set to spend more time with the Long Island Nets in the coming months. Brooklyn’s other rooks, Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe, are expected to join him as well.

In the preseason, the rookie averaged 4.3 PPG on 40% shooting from the field to go with 4 RPG and 1 SPG. Throughout a three game span, Duke played 16.6 MPG for the Nets. Now that the organization has made up their mind on the 22-year-old, it is safe to say that there is a lot to look forward to with him.

In the Summer League, Duke’s defense was superb. It was a strength that made him shine in the past couple months both in Las Vegas and in the preseason. His offensive game is coming together as well, but of course will take time to develop. Duke’s biggest focus will have to be expanding his range. He is already capable of doing everything else at a high level.

[vertical-gallery id=21863]

[mm-video type=video id=01fj0br7anv506z54662 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fj0br7anv506z54662/01fj0br7anv506z54662-48796e9054278413f534b1f944a6a325.jpg]

Steve Nash: Nets ‘tough’ team for Thomas, Sharpe to crack into

Nash reiterated how tough it could be for rookies Cameron Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe to log significant playing time this season.

Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash on Tuesday reiterated that it will be a tough task for rookie players Cameron Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe to crack the rotation this year.

With the Nets constructed to win now and compete for a championship, the team is filled with veteran players up and down the roster. Even outside of the Big Three, the Nets have other veterans like LaMarcus Aldridge, Patty Mills, Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap.

However, the two rookies each made a case for why they belong in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Thomas finished as the leading scorer and was named the co-MVP after averaging 27 points, two assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals. Sharpe posted 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.3 blocked shots and one assist in four games with Brooklyn.

“The guys have all been in our gym a lot for a few weeks now and that has been positive,” Nash said. “They have worked hard. I think we see NBA players and it is just a matter of developing them now. It is a tough team to break into so some of these rookies have their work cut out for them if they are going to get into the rotation but that is a great challenge for them.”

[mm-video type=video id=01fem4aqfxnyeyy36r1f playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fem4aqfxnyeyy36r1f/01fem4aqfxnyeyy36r1f-450c4fec318d483f13311969643e5f9a.jpg]

Thomas and Sharpe certainly will compete for the opportunity to join the rotation in training camp but Nash has conveyed to them that it may not happen right away. Nash even reflected on his own experience when he didn’t play very much as a rookie.

Nash joined a veteran-heavy Phoenix Suns roster in 1996 and played sparingly. He averaged just 10.5 minutes in 64 games that season but eventually put forth a Hall-of-Fame resume despite not seeing the court much as a rookie.

“I was a 15th pick who only played my rookie year when (Kevin Johnson) was injured so it is not how you start, it’s how you get there,” Nash said. “I definitely preached to some of our rookies already that you gotta play the long game and whether you crack the rotation this year or not, it is important for you to think long-term and not giveaway days.”

Thomas and Sharpe enter a situation where they will have plenty of teammates and coaches to learn from. They may spend the upcoming season in more of a developmental role but that should still enable them to grow on and off the court.

The two know that they will have to earn their way onto the court and if they can keep a positive mindset this season, that should work wonders for them down the line.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=38802,36118,36117]

[listicle id=39243]