There is a certain faction of fans that will hate to hear this, but the Nets have frontcourt reinforcements on the way, based on recent injury updates.
Day’Ron Sharpe has not appeared in a game this season because of a left hamstring strain suffered in training camp. He did not play in any of the Nets’ four preseason games, either, so Brooklyn has not enjoyed his services since April 10, 2024. He was inactive for the final two games of the 2023-24 season.
Brooklyn announced on Thursday that Sharpe’s rehab is progressing according to schedule. He has begun 1-on-1 workouts with coaches and is expected to be integrated into team activities in the next 7-10 days.
Sharpe was originally ruled out for at least six weeks on Oct. 7. The 23-year-old ended last season ranked third in the league in rebound percentage (.199) and second in offensive rebound percentage (.163). He averaged 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 61 games last season while shooting 57.1% from the field.
There is still no confirmed date for when Sharpe will make his season debut. The Nets ranked last in rebounds per game (39.1), 27th in rebound percentage (47.4) and 28th in blocks per game (3.7) entering Thursday’s matchups around the league.
“So, in 7-10 days he will [return to team activities], but the reality is, he’s been around the group,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “We need them around, everybody, because everybody is emotionally a part of the group and he’s been really good, very vocal, he’s done his job and he looks good, his body looks good. So, we’re excited because we know the day is coming and we’re excited to have him back with those activities, whatever that means, not necessarily just practice. And then it’s good to have a big body out there, so we’re happy with his progress and also his professionalism, how mature he is, so it’s going to be important for the group.”
In the more immediate future, the Nets also announced on Thursday that starting center Nic Claxton will be listed as questionable for Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. He missed three straight games because of a lower back strain and received an epidural injection last week.
In Claxton’s absence, the Nets reinserted 6-10 guard Ben Simmons into their starting lineup, alongside fellow guards Dennis Schröder and Cam Thomas and forwards Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. The 25-year-old has averaged 8.6 points in 24.8 minutes through 11 games, including five starts. His 7.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game both lead the team.
“He’s doing great, is in good spirits, moving well,” Fernandez said of Claxton.
