The Brooklyn Nets parted ways with longtime starting big man Nic Claxton, thrusting Day'Ron Sharpe into an expanded role. How will he fare alongside Brooklyn's other offseason additions?
The Brooklyn Nets' frontcourt underwent some serious changes this offseason, with Nic Claxton being dealt to acquire Julius Randle, and Day'Ron Sharpe stepping into the starting center role.
On Wednesday, HoopsHype's Frank Urbina ranked the top-27 centers in the NBA ahead of the looming season, with Claxton sneaking in at No. 26.
Claxton spent the past seven seasons with Brooklyn, serving as the team's starting big man for the past four years.
Last season, Claxton averaged 11.7 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists, adding 1.1 blocks per game.
However, since signing a four-year, $97 million contract extension in 2024, Claxton's production had seen a steady decrease across the board.
In both of the seasons prior to his deal, Claxton averaged more points, rebounds, and blocks, shooting nearly 14 percentage points better from the field in his best statistical season in 2022-2023.
Urbina called Claxton's new change of scenery a positive, writing that things had become "stale" for him in Brooklyn.
Claxton was never able to tap into a 3-point jump shot or in-between move with Brooklyn, leaving him one-dimensional on offense.
In a league dominated by the 3-point shot, Claxton has shot just 19-percent from beyond the arc, making just 11 of 58 attempts over his seven-year career.
Nevertheless, Claxton outplayed his tag as a second-round pick and provided defensive and rebounding stability for the Nets over the past few years.
"Through the ups and downs, this city watched me grow into a man," Claxton wrote after being traded. "I will always cherish my time spent there. I created so many beautiful memories and friendships that will last a lifetime."
Sharpe, on the other hand, did not make the list.
The former North Carolina standout had his best professional season last year, averaging 8.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 60.1% shooting.
Following the season, he was rewarded with a two-year, $20 million contract and given the keys to the starting role.
On Thursday, ESPN's Dean Oliver compiled a list of the top seven Nets by predicted net points per possession, with Sharpe leading the way with a +1.3 metric.
This efficiency, coupled with Sharpe's desire to improve as a perimeter jump-shooter could be extremely beneficial for the Nets, who have sneakily formed a strong 3-point shooting roster.
Everyone who projects to get major minutes this season for Brooklyn has shown the ability to knock down the deep ball in the past, with Sharpe shooting 27.4% over his career.
While this is not a strong percentage, Sharpe has shown the confidence and ability to provide floor spacing.
With talented playmakers like Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. alongside him, Sharpe's efficiency should continue to be his best attribute, while he continues to grow as an interior defender and 3-point shooter.
