Inside The Nets

Cam Johnson Acknowledges Claxton and Sharpe's Impact in Nets' Frontcourt Dominance

In a standout performance against the Magic, Nic Claxton and Day'Ron Sharpe prove instrumental in fortifying the Brooklyn Nets' frontcourt strength.

Peter Sunjic

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The Brooklyn Nets have demonstrated their excellence even in the absence of key big men, opting for a small-ball lineup for a considerable stretch in the 2023/24 season, featuring 6’8” Dorian Finney-Smith at the center position. That has finally changed with Nic Claxton's return from injury.

Now, the Nets are running Claxton as the starter and Day’Ron Sharpe has quickly found himself as a servicable backup center. This has not gone unnoticed as fellow frontcourt player Cameron Johnson has given them their credit.

“They did a great job, both of them. Both of them fought through the foul trouble and contributed on both ends, rebounds, was definitely a great game from those two. Big difference makers,” Johnson said in his post-game presser after facing the Orlando Magic.

Both big men provide stability in the paint

Claxton, serving as the primary big man, fulfills all of Coach Jacque Vaughn's expectations. Recognized as the team’s premier defender, he excels as an elite rim protector and showcases the versatility to switch onto smaller players.

Nic excels as a superb rebounder, demonstrating impeccable timing and leveraging his solid athleticism. Additionally, he proves to be a dependable scorer in the paint, choosing high-efficiency such as dunks, alley-oops, and put-backs.

On the other hand, Sharpe is more of a wild card since he’s such a young player. Only in his third year, the big man out of North Carolina has been a solid rebounder off the bench. He provides the size the team needs whenever Claxton is taking much needed rest.

Even with restricted playing time, Sharpe has showcased strong rebounding skills, achieving an impressive double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in a recent matchup against the Orlando Magic.

The Nets have a bright future

As Claxton and Sharpe emerge as foundational players for the Nets, the team boasts promising depth for the future. 

Their continuous growth and dedication are evident, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health and adhering to Coach Vaughn's system, potentially forming a formidable duo that opposing big men would find challenging to face.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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