Apr 10, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (20) talks to forward Noah Clowney (21) during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Uncertainty Surrounds Day’Ron Sharpe’s and Dorian Finney-Smith’s Futures with Team Due to Emergence of the ‘Golden Child’
The Brooklyn Nets have wrapped up their disappointing 2023-24 NBA season, missing out on the Play-in Tournament and landing in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a lackluster 32-50 record, a significant drop from their previous season’s 45-37 performance.
Despite the team’s struggles, there is optimism surrounding rookie Noah Clowney, who garnered attention with his strong play in the final stretch of the regular season. Many believe Clowney could become a key part of the Nets’ future plans.
Clowney’s late-season surge has earned him praise, with some dubbing him as a standout prospect. The Nets see Clowney as a power forward and a small-ball center alongside Nic Claxton, according to reports from Michael Scotto on the HoopsHype podcast.
As the Nets consider Clowney’s potential role, questions arise about the future of players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Day’Ron Sharpe. Brian Lewis of the New York Post suggests that Clowney’s rapid development could impact the team’s decisions regarding these players. Finney-Smith, a seasoned player known for his contributions both on and off the court, could attract interest from contenders due to his contract situation. Sharpe, on the other hand, is a young and affordable asset for the team.
Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Uncertainty Surrounds Day’Ron Sharpe’s and Dorian Finney-Smith’s Futures with Team Due to Emergence of the ‘Golden Child’
Clowney’s versatility is evident in his playing time distribution across different positions, spending significant minutes at small forward, power forward, and center. While his rookie season statistics may seem modest, his performance in April showcased his potential, averaging double-digit points, solid rebounding, and impressive shooting percentages.
Looking ahead, the Nets must assess Clowney’s progression in the offseason and his sophomore year in the NBA. If he continues to impress and emerges as a rising star, the team may face tough decisions regarding the futures of players like Sharpe and Finney-Smith.
