Nets' Jordi Fernandez Updates Day'Ron Sharpe's Return Timeline Amid Multi-Game Absence

Sharpe sidelined by thumb injury as Nets continue tank race for top draft pick

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe will miss his second straight game on Thursday due to a left thumb sprain. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said the fifth-year center has no timetable for his return. Sharpe's absence comes amid a tightly contested tank race, as the Nets have outscored opponents by seven more points per 100 possessions with him on the court vs. off, the team's highest mark and the sixth-highest among 35 centers who have played over 1,100 minutes.

Why it matters

Sharpe's availability has been critical to Brooklyn's ability to compete this season, and his absence could impact the team's positioning in the draft lottery standings as they continue their tank race for a top pick.

The details

Sharpe sustained the injury during Brooklyn's 126-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, the team's second straight. The 24-year-old was Brooklyn's top performer during the victory, posting a team-high 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting with five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in 18 minutes off the bench. The performance came after he played a pivotal role in the Nets' 23-point comeback win over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.

  • Sharpe sustained the injury during Brooklyn's 126-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday.
  • Sharpe will miss his second straight game on Thursday due to the left thumb sprain.

The players

Day'Ron Sharpe

A fifth-year center for the Brooklyn Nets who has been sidelined by a left thumb sprain.

Jordi Fernandez

The head coach of the Brooklyn Nets who provided an update on Sharpe's return timeline.

Nic Claxton

The Nets' starting center who struggled in Sharpe's absence, posting just two points and four rebounds on 0-of-2 shooting in 21 minutes.

Jalen Duren

The Detroit Pistons' All-Star center who Sharpe outplayed for extended stretches in the Nets' comeback win over the Pistons.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“No timeline. [Day'Ron] has a thumb sprain. Whatever time it takes for him to feel good to play again.”

— Jordi Fernandez, Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.