Inside The Nets

Jacque Vaughn gives an update about Day'Ron Sharpe's injury status

The Nets are missing Day’Ron Sharpe’s hustle and hard work.

Peter Sunjic

© Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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Day’Ron Sharpe has been one of the most impressive Nets players in the 2023/24 season. He is averaging 7.5 points and seven rebounds off the bench, firmly cementing himself as one of the league’s best rebounders for Coach Jacque Vaughn.

Sharpe suffered a hyperextended left knee against the Trail Blazers, keeping him out for Brooklyn’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Paris. Despite missing out on a massive opportunity to showcase his game to a bigger audience, Day’Ron is in high spirits while he recovers.

“Got a chance to talk to him while I was in Paris, I was really disappointed. That trip was for him, in the sense of being able to experience something different, never been to Paris, so I felt bad that he wasn’t able to join us,” Coach Vaughn said in a practice session interview. 

“We will have an update after the two-week mark, but he’s in better spirits. That was good seeing him today and seeing his smile today.”

The Nets need Day’Ron back

Against the Cavs, the Nets were out-rebounded 41-47, which has been rare whenever Day’Ron is playing. Nic Claxton is already a superb rebounder in the starting lineup, but having Sharpe come off the bench helps Brooklyn dominate the boards.

Brooklyn ranks 10th in the league in second-chance points per game at 15.4. Day’Ron is a monumental part of that because of how much he hustles on the offensive boards. He might not even get the rebound, but his box-outs help the rest of the Nets to battle for the ball.

Sharpe is out for the next two weeks, but Coach Vaughn and the rest of the Nets organization would want to get him back as soon as possible.

Opportunities for other players on the bench

With Sharpe injured, the Nets will rely on other players to step up in his absence. Trendon Watford got backup big minutes against Cleveland, logging in 13 minutes while scoring eight points and grabbing four boards.

Harry Giles III only played three minutes, but he has a path to playing in the next few games with a shortened big-man rotation. He provides a similar energy to what Sharpe gave to Brooklyn, which coach Vaughn wants to see from his bigs.

In the meantime, Claxton will likely log more minutes than before. He is already playing well, so a couple of extra minutes won’t hurt him as long as he does not struggle with his fouls.

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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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