Inside The Nets

Why Day'Ron Sharpe's development as a shooter can be a big deal for Brooklyn

Day’Ron has added a new dimension to his game with an improved three-point shot.

Peter Sunjic

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Day’Ron Sharpe has only hit 12 three-pointers in the NBA, including four this season. In the Thursday win against the Hawks, the former North Carolina Tar Heel drained two three-pointers, which got people talking.

It is a massive addition to any big man’s skill set because it raises the ceiling for the team. Look at former Nets center Brook Lopez reinventing himself as a stretch-five in Milwaukee, which is why Day’Ron’s improvements in his jump shot are tantalizing.

“You know, I was excited for him. He really shot them with confidence. He stepped in and did it with no hesitation. He can shoot, I’ve seen it since he was young, since he was in high school. I’ve seen the potential in his shot, and he’s been working on it constantly,” Cam Johnson said after the back-to-back three-pointers on Thursday against Atlanta.

Shooting raises Day’Ron’s ceiling

Opposing big men don’t know what to do whenever a traditional center like Sharpe moves to the three-point line. If Day’Ron continues to hit these three-pointers, he will earn respect from his matchups.

That will also add a whole new dimension to the Nets’ offense because the defense will get stretched, which opens opportunities for players to cut or get a dribble hand-off from Sharpe. Brooklyn’s offense will get more multi-faceted rather than relying on pick-and-rolls and isolations from Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas.

Further development could spark some debate within the Brooklyn fan base, as Nic Claxton has struggled to consistently be a good shooter, as he’s reliant on alley-oops and putbacks. If Sharpe continues on this Brook Lopez path, a debate between the two Nets centers might happen for the starting spot.

Day’Ron still has a lot of work to do

Sharpe has great jump shot mechanics, as it looks repeatable and consistent. It is a superb addition to his skill set as long as he keeps shooting and gains confidence. He could add so much to his game with a consistent jump shot, considering he’s one of the best bench rebounders in the league.

With a good jump shot, Sharpe can earn a spot in the starting lineup in the long-term future. That’s a good path to keep following, but he should not force his jump shot, as he’s at his best as a scrappy center who fights for rebounds in the paint.

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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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