Brooklyn Nets Struggling Early This Season
The Nets had a surprisingly good start last season, managing a 5-6 record in their first 11 games under coach Jordi Fernandez. However, entering this season, they’ve found themselves at a dismal 1-9 after another painful two-game losing streak.
Defensively, they’re faltering, and the five first-round picks they’ve chosen so far lack the seasoning to contribute this year effectively.
It’s a tough lesson, as the Mavericks know all too well; just snagging the top player in the draft doesn’t assure immediate improvement. Take Cooper Flagg, for instance; his early days in Dallas have not gone smoothly.
Still, the Nets are positioned to make a significant pick after slipping to No. 8 in June’s draft. They are now focused on nurturing their young talents as they prepare for a matchup against Toronto at Barclays Center.
At the forefront is Egor Demin, their first pick, selected eighth overall. Demin has been thrust into the starting lineup for the past two games, stepping in while Cam Thomas recovers from an injury.
Fernandez remarked that it was the “right time” to put Demin in the starting role. The 19-year-old rookie has shown promise with his outside shooting. However, he still struggles to navigate around defenders effectively.
To help him, Fernandez and his team have increased pick-and-rolls, but, so far, that strategy hasn’t yielded the desired results.
Ben Saraf, the Nets’ rookie point guard and the 26th pick in the draft, started the season strong but has since been sent to the team’s G League affiliate in Long Island. He was joined there on Sunday by fellow rookies Danny Wolfe and Nolan Traore.
Wolfe, a 7-foot prospect picked 27th overall, has impressed in the G League but has only seen court time in one game with Brooklyn. He could be called upon if injuries continue to plague the team.
As of now, Wolfe might see more opportunities; Dayron Sharpe, a seasoned player, is questionable for Tuesday’s game due to a lingering left hamstring strain from the previous loss.
Traore has not yet made a noticeable impact on the NBA scene, while Drake Powell, another rookie, has managed to shine in a handful of games—scoring 15 points against the Knicks on Sunday, albeit mostly during garbage time.
Fernandez acknowledged in July that with many new players, “player development is going to be important,” hinting that immediate success might be out of reach.
The stark reality of this situation is becoming apparent as the Nets confront the challenges of each game. Maybe one or more of the current rookies will find their footing by gaining valuable experience, either in the NBA or in the G League.
“We have a very good idea of what we want to do. I want to challenge them and help them grow. There’s not just one path. There’s a lot of ways we can do it,” Fernandez expressed after the team’s recent loss, reflecting on managing playing time for his young players.
