Will the Center Position Be the Brooklyn Nets' Achilles Heel?

The Brooklyn Nets' front court underwent major renovations this offseason, with Julius Randle, Moritz Wagner, and Joshua Jefferson entering the picture.

Longtime starting big man Nic Claxton was traded to the Chicago Bulls as part of the deal to acquire Randle, meaning former North Carolina standout Day'Ron Sharpe will be thrust into the starting role.

On Oct. 8, ESPN's Ben Golliver identified the center position as the biggest hole on Brooklyn's roster.

"Goodbye and good luck to Nic Claxton, who saw a bit of everything during his seven seasons in Brooklyn..." Golliver wrote. "Brooklyn sent Claxton to the Chicago Bulls in a multiteam trade that returned three-time All-Star Julius Randle. By pairing Michael Porter Jr. with Randle, the Nets took a meaningful step to boost the 2025-26 season's worst offense."

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. 

With the opportunity to get a former All-Star like Randle presenting itself, the Nets decided to part ways with their longtime starter and promote Sharpe.

For Sharpe, who was rewarded with a two-year, $20 million contract this offseason, it remains to be seen how he will produce with increased minutes.

He had his best professional season last year, averaging 8.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game on 60.1% shooting and showing flashes of an ability to space the floor

Over his career, Sharpe is a 27.4% 3-point shooter, but has continued to talk about wanting to continue to improve from deep.

Wagner is also 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.

Heading into his first season with the Nets, Wagner is projected to backup Sharpe, joining the team after spending more than five seasons with the Orlando Magic.

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.

In Brooklyn's preseason opening win over the Charlotte Hornets, Wagner shined off the bench, scoring five points and adding four rebounds, five assists, and a steal in 18 minutes.

The biggest question mark surrounding the Wagner-Sharpe pairing is rim protection, as the former Michigan standout has never averaged a block per game.

But, having a high-energy player like Wagner on the bench will be extremely beneficial for Sharpe, as he learns to play and everyday-starter role.