Nets’ preseason match against Israeli team holds special significance for Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf

Nets Preseason Opener Against Hapoel Jerusalem

Saturday’s match against Hapoel Jerusalem will kick off the Nets’ preseason. For players Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, both of whom are Israeli, the game holds special significance.

“It’s going to be really special for me,” Saraf shared after practice on Tuesday.

This will be the second time the Brooklyn Nets face an Israeli team in preseason, having previously played against Maccabi last year. This match is particularly notable as it features Jewish rookie Saraf and Wolf, with possible protests outside the Barclays Center.

The Nets selected Saraf and Wolf as first-round picks in the June draft, marking Saraf as the second Jewish player in the NBA, following in the footsteps of Omri Casspi and Jordan Farmar.

Wolf, who is also from Israel, won silver at the 2023 FIBA U20 European Championships and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Saraf has his roots in Moshav Gan Josya and had played his initial two professional years locally as an emerging talent.

For the 19-year-old security guard in Jerusalem, facing Hapoel means reliving some familiar experiences.

“Of course,” said Saraf. “I know the guys, the coaches, and I’ve played with some friends on the team. It’s going to be a great experience for all of us.”

However, the preseason opener could also stir up some tensions. Protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza are likely.

After many countries met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the situation, he delivered a defiant speech at the United Nations last week.

Saraf, whose sisters serve in the Israeli army, prefers not to get involved in politics. Yet, it seems almost certain that some demonstrators will gather outside the Barclays Center.

Still, for Saraf and Wolf, Saturday’s game will carry deep meaning. “I think so,” Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez commented. “If we were to play against a Spanish team, I would feel that too.” He emphasized that the possibility of playing against foreign teams shows how global the NBA really is.

After the preseason opener, the Nets will face the Suns and the Macau team in the following week, rounding out a four-game schedule.

Increased strength has been a focus for Saraf, who has gained about 7-8 pounds to keep up with the more physical demands of the NBA. After struggling with a shooting percentage of just 29% last season, he’s been working on making better shot selections and adapting to the faster pace of the game.

“It’s about adjusting to the pace the coach wants,” Saraf explained. “I need to refine how I approach three-pointers and other shots.” He sees it as crucial to the way they want to play, with an emphasis on shooting more threes.