Nets forward Day’Ron Sharpe could make his season debut “at some point this week”, according to head coach Jordi Fernandez. The 23-year-old has not appeared in a game this season because of a left hamstring strain suffered in training camp.
Sharpe, who was originally ruled out for at least six weeks on Oct. 7, has not appeared in a game for Brooklyn since April 10, 2024. He resumed full on-court team activities last week. Fernandez told reporters on Sunday that Sharpe’s next medical update will be shared in the coming days.
“Right now, he’s going through the process of going through contact drills, then see how he feels after that, then take the next step,” Fernandez said. “So, that’s as much as I can tell you.”
Sharpe ended last season ranked third in the NBA 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.
“He’s doing great,” Fernandez said. “He’s got great energy. His personality is great for the group. Being part of the group throughout the trip was important, so you can see what’s going on and how it feels to be part of the group. Now he’s getting close, so excited to see you back.”
SCHRÖDER RETURNS
Nets guard Dennis Schröder did not play in Friday’s 123-100 loss to the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center because of “personal reasons” but returned to the starting lineup for Sunday’s rematch.
Fernandez did not clarify whether Schröder’s personal issues would be ongoing.
“We respect his privacy,” Fernandez said. “We have him back, so we’re happy to have him right now here. So, right now is as much as I can tell you. Everything is good right now, and we’re just, like I said, we need him on the court with us.”
Brooklyn allowed the Magic to shoot 53% from the field in Friday’s loss. It also committed 20 turnovers, which gifted Orlando 34 points. Pressuring the ball on defense, and protecting possessions on offense, are what Schröder does best.
“Obviously his pressure on the ball is very important for us, but then he’s one of our primary ball-handlers — assist-turnover, potential assists, all that stuff,” Fernandez said. “So, playing against a team that’s very physical and pressures the ball very well and creates a lot of turnovers, it’s always good to have him back. So, it’s going to be important for us for sure.”
NEXT MAN UP
With Schröder and Cam Thomas out on Friday, Shake Milton scored a season-high 22 points in 34 minutes off the bench. It was his most points in a game since Nov. 23, 2022, when he was still playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 28-year-old was ready when his number was called, and his effort did not go unnoticed.
“I’ve put him in tough spots because I’ve had him at the point guard a lot of times, and maybe that’s not the spot that he’s the most comfortable, but he’s done it and he’s helped the team and whether he was the secondary ball-handler or the primary ball-handler, he’s tried to do the right things and I’ve asked him to be ready to shoot and shoot more and pressure the ball and he’s taking positive steps for the group and he’s been a big part of the wins that we’ve had, big wins,” Fernandez said. “So, he’s part of what we’re trying to build here with the togetherness and working and one percent better, so he’s been really good.”
