Nets’ Rookies Must Avoid Losing Habits
The Nets are in a bit of a bind. Developing their rookies is crucial, especially to prevent them from getting used to losing. Coach Jordi Fernandez is trying to manage this delicate balance by opting to bench Ben Saraf in favor of veteran Tyrese Martin.
Saraf has been having some defensive struggles lately, and Martin showed promise by performing well towards the end of the game against Atlanta. Fernandez thought starting Martin, with rookie Drake Powell providing a defensive boost off the bench, could help the struggling Nets turn things around.
But, the game didn’t go as planned. Martin ended up with no points, shooting 0-for-6. To make matters worse, Powell twisted his left ankle just 4 minutes and 27 seconds into the game. The Nets fell, losing 129-105.
Fernandez expressed his belief in Martin, citing his experience as an asset. “Unfortunately, [Powell] got injured. He’s a good defender and will be a high-level defender. We’re still developing them,” Fernandez reflected. “It was a strategy to help our lineup, but it simply didn’t work.”
The Barclays Center was packed, with 17,548 fans, many likely eager to see the Nets’ newly acquired first-round picks. However, Saraf, who had started every game this season, didn’t play at all, joined on the bench by Nolan Traore, while Danny Wolff sat out due to a sprained left ankle. With Powell also injured, the team’s rookie class logged a mere 19 minutes.
Powell, after the game, was seen in the locker room without any ice on his ankle, walking without a limp. Still, the team’s assessment of the injury’s severity was not provided.
“I’m not sure,” Fernandez remarked when asked about Powell’s condition, noting the unfortunate nature of stepping on someone else’s foot. “It’s just bad luck; some injuries are part of the game.”
He seemed genuinely empathetic. “It’s unfortunate; I feel bad for the kid. He’ll bounce back because he’s a dedicated player. He had a strong start with great energy. But, well, that’s how it goes in sports.”
Terrence Mann, stepping up after missing time with an illness, contributed 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, rookie Egor Demin, despite a challenging game, managed to score his first career basket. He ended the night with a -15 rating in 15 minutes.
Haywood Highsmith missed this game due to right knee surgery, while Joel Embiid was absent from the 76ers’ lineup.
