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Could Nets Pair Compete for Most Improve Player of the Year?
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- Could Nets Pair Compete for Most Improve Player of the Year?
(Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
The Brooklyn Nets haven't had a player earn a postseason accolade since Kevin Durant in the 2021-22 season, and that could change next season.
Durant made the All-NBA Second Team, averaging 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He narrowly missed joining the elite 50-40-90 club, but shot 38.3% from three.
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"The Brooklyn Pod" chose which Net they think could win the Most Improved Player of the Year. Connor Long chose Josh Minott , and Collin Helwig picked Day'Ron Sharpe.
Long believes Minott can close out every game for Brooklyn as a rising talent who can defend multiple positions and knock down threes.
"This is someone who started games last year toward the beginning of the season with the Boston Celtics ," Long said. "He's 23, the talent is there, and we know the scoring upside."
He scored a career-high 24 points against the Atlanta Hawks on March 12, overcoming early struggles after recovering from an ankle injury.
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Minott showed the quick release on his jumper that makes him reliable in catch-and-shoot scenarios. When Atlanta's defense collapsed, his teammates found him wide open on the wings or corners.
He also showed his defensive instincts with three steals and three blocks. Minott's 6-foot-11 wingspan lets him jump the passing lanes with ease to turn defense into easy offense.
General manager Sean Marks was impressed with his hidden gem , who averaged 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals over 16 games while nursing his ankle.
Helwig called himself a "Day'Ron Sharpe truther," buying into the "per 36" stats that project Sharpe to have greater impact with more playing time. He also highlighted concerns about his transition from bench player to starter, and how the impact doesn't always follow.
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"It is definitely a gamble cause oftentimes, guys come off the bench; they can bring a spark," Helwig said. "When they go into a starter's role, sometimes the productivity doesn't always match."
Sharpe's high motor and rebounding prowess have always stood out. When a shot goes up, he looks for a man to box out and keeps his eye on the ball to rebound it.
He has averaged over six rebounds for three straight seasons. The 6-foot-10 center has generated nearly three extra possessions per game from offensive rebounds and holds the highest career offensive rebounding percentage in NBA history (18.3%). He surpasses legends Dennis Rodman and Jayson Williams.
The 6-foot-10 center is also working to expand his skill set, doing various shooting drills to develop his jumper .
Minott and Sharpe are likely key players to Brooklyn's success next season, and if they continue developing, they could end a four-season postseason award drought.
