The Boston Celtics entered the offseason with a clear priority: adding reliable frontcourt depth. After trading Kristaps Porzingis and watching veteran Al Horford depart in free agency, Boston suddenly found itself thin at center and searching for a cost-effective solution.
One of their primary targets was Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe. The former 2021 first-round pick was viewed as a potential fit for Boston’s system and a player capable of competing for the starting job. However, Sharpe ultimately chose stability in Brooklyn, signing a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension before free agency began.
According to HoopsHype, the Celtics planned to pursue Sharpe but were limited financially, able only to offer a minimum contract. Had he taken the offer, Sharpe would have entered training camp with a legitimate opportunity to earn Boston’s starting center role, battling current starter Neemias Queta. Instead, the 24-year-old elected to remain with the Nets, securing a larger deal and staying in a familiar environment.
Sharpe has rewarded Brooklyn’s confidence with strong production off the bench. Although his minutes have dipped from last season, he is averaging 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s more effective reserve big men. His season already includes standout performances such as a 16-point, seven-rebound outing against the Celtics and a 17-point, 12-rebound effort versus Houston—his best game of the year.
Both Boston and Brooklyn have struggled to find consistency early in the season, sitting 10th and 13th in the Eastern Conference, respectively. While it's unclear how much Sharpe’s presence would have impacted Boston’s frontcourt rotation, his decision to stay with the Nets has provided Brooklyn with valuable bench stability.
The Nets return to action after the Thanksgiving break, hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday as they attempt to snap a two-game losing streak.
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