The Brooklyn Nets' front court is one of the biggest question marks for this season. How will Day'Ron Sharpe fair as a first-time starter, and what value will Mo Wagner provide to the bench unit?
The Brooklyn Nets' roster made some significant changes this offseason, with the front office trading for Julius Randle, adding through the draft, and adding solid bench pieces in free agency.
Free agent big man Moritz Wagner is one intriguing acquisition, joining the team after spending more than five seasons with the Orlando Magic.
In Brooklyn, Wagner projects as first-year starter Day'Ron Sharpe's backup, and provides some much needed bench spark to the team's second unit.
Wagner is a career 32.3%-shooter from beyond the arc, giving the Nets' center group a semblance of spacing that has not been there for some time.
"Moe Wagner may not be a good 3 point shooter but he can space the floor better than any Nets Center in recent memory," Clutch Points' Erik Slater said on Tuesday.
Availability has been a concern for Wagner as of late, playing in just 66 games for the Magic over the past two seasons.
But, when available, he has produced.
From 2022-2025, Wagner averaged double-digits off the bench, serving as Orlando's spark plug.
Wagner plays with a high level of energy, and at times served as the Magic's enforcer, often talking smack and trying to get under his opponents skin.
This veteran presence and leadership will be a big boost for Brooklyn's young core, especially the projected rotational players like Danny Wolf.
I think Wagner could be a great mentor for Wolf, who is a similar player in terms of size and ability.
Ben Saraf and Nolan Traoré, who should battle for ball handling duties with the Nets' second unit, will also get a proven commodity in two-man action, as Wagner is a strong roller and has the ability to pop off screens as well.
The biggest question mark surrounding the Wagner-Sharpe pairing is rim protection, as the former Michigan standout has never averaged a block per game.
Sharpe is a more offensive-focused player as well, leaving rim protection as something to be desired.
But, the significant size in the frontcourt next to Sharpe and Wagner should help, as Randle and Michael Porter Jr. can hold their own and rebound at a good rate.
After finishing near the bottom of the NBA in 3-point shooting last season, the Nets; front office has brought in some significant upgrades in terms of spacing.
With the added playmaking jolt from new faces like Randle and rookie point guard Mikel Brown Jr., Brooklyn's catch-and-shoot opportunities should increase.
This is where Wagner can become effective, while also providing maximum effort for however many minutes he is given.
Heading into the season, having a proven player like Wagner behind Sharpe is extremely valuable as the Nets move into the post-Nic Claxton era at center.
