While Nic Claxton is about to take a step by integrating for good the five major alongside the stars of the Nets, the post of replacement pivot, on paper, should quite logically belong to Day’Ron Sharpe this season.
Rookie last season, and therefore blocked in the rotation behind LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin, the 20-year-old pivot has indeed the free field to recover playing time on the position this season, now that the three veterans are gone.
The preseason offered a first look at the former North Carolina player’s productivity with more playing time, as he averaged 13 points and 9 rebounds in 22 minutes in the Nets’ last two games, associated off the bench with rookie Markieff Morris, who evolves more offshore.
A sample of course too thin to draw any conclusion, even if Steve Nash recognizes that his young interior has been on an upward slope in recent months. ” In preseason, we play with a larger group, but we happened to like what we saw quite well. “said the Nets coach.
Before sending a message to Day’Ron Sharpe, encouraging him to continue his efforts, while his recent dynamic is certainly positive.
” His summer has been productive. Physically, there is obvious progress » he added. “I have already told you before, we have worked hard with the young people. And Day’Ron has clearly turned a corner. But he remains a 20-year-old kid, so we have to be patient and recognize that two pre-season games mean nothing. He has to continue on this path, stay focused and meticulous in his approach, and we will see where it will take him. »
