Day’Ron Sharpe
Another first-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Day’Ron Sharpe is similarly underutilized in a backup center role for the Brooklyn Nets. Playing around 12 minutes per game for his career and also this season, Sharpe has consistently been effective in his limited playing time. A 6’11 center with a 265-pound frame, the University of North Carolina product doesn’t get pushed around in the paint, a quality the Washington Wizards could certainly use.
Sharpe is still a work in progress in terms of his defense. His subpar athleticism, slow lateral mobility, and lack of rim protection are the reasons why he isn’t playing more minutes. Because offensively, he is more than ready.
The 22-year-old is an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor. But his offensive rebounding might be his most impressive skill. His average of 21.5% offensive-rebounding rate is amongst the NBA’s elite. This would add another dimension to Wizards offense. Someone who can keep possessions alive and finish around the rim could prove useful for the Wizards bench.
Considering that Daniel Gafford is regularly dealing with nagging injuries, having a center with size who can slide into the starting lineup may help the Wizards maintain a similar level of play. Sharpe doesn’t have the athleticism Gafford provides, but he can more than make up for it with his two-way interior presence.