There is a chance for frontcourt minutes on the Nets’ second unit, and 2021 late first-round decide Day’Ron Sharpe is enjoying like he needs to earn them.
The 6-foot-11 heart has averaged 13 factors, 9 rebounds and 21.5 minutes over the Nets’ final two preseason video games — street victories in Milwaukee and Minnesota.
“Nicely, he had an awesome summer time. I believe he seems bodily higher. He actually was nice this summer time,” Nets coach Steve Nash mentioned after Sunday’s observe. “I believe I’ve informed you earlier than we’ve labored actually exhausting with the younger guys … and DayDay took a step.
“However [he’s a] 20-year-old man, so we’ve bought to even be affected person and acknowledge two good preseason video games doesn’t imply he’s arrived. He’s bought to be super-focused, diligent along with his work and his prep and proceed to take nothing without any consideration and see if he can proceed to play nicely.”
Following the departures of veteran massive males Andre Drummond, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge, fourth-year heart Nic Claxton will open the season because the starter in the middle. Nash has been enjoying Sharpe and 6-9 free-agent signing Markieff Morris alongside one another on the second unit.
“I believe it begins a bit bit by simply attempting to suit them on the ground. In preseason, you’re attempting to play a bit little bit of an expanded group, however we even have been fairly happy with that,” Nash mentioned. “We’ll see. I believe totally different nights that’ll most likely be not as inviting, however on different nights it may be good, so it’s not set in stone. Nevertheless it’s additionally not one thing that we’re gonna throw out.”
Nash mentioned guard Edmond Sumner (hip pressure) is “progressing” and “has an opportunity” to be out there for Wednesday’s season opener in opposition to New Orleans at Barclays Middle.
