With only 10 games remaining in the regular season, the Nets’ future does not look bright.
Despite their win over the lowly Raptors on Monday night, the Hawks came from a 30-point deficit to snatch the victory from the Celtics and move past the Nets by six games.
If the usual pattern continues, the Nets lose, especially late in games, and the Hawks continue their consistent play, elimination from play-in contention seems inevitable.
Still, there were some positives from Monday’s 96-88 victory for the Nets’ future players.
In the absence of Cam Johnson and slow starter Cam Thomas, rookies Noah Clowney and Jalen Wilson shined, combining for 19 points and 11 rebounds.
He also helped alleviate another off night for Mikal Bridges, who scored just 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
Clowney had only played in 12 games and averaged 8.5 minutes, but Monday marked the second time he has appeared in three consecutive games.
He played approximately 21 minutes and recorded seven points and six rebounds.
“It’s a big time. I told him before the game to be ready,” Trendon Watford, who also came off the bench and had 19 points and seven rebounds, said of Clowney. “I know he has a lot of talent. He’s very good. A good kid. You know, the sky’s the limit for him. He was just ready tonight and I thought he was I am proud.”
“It was really nice that they trusted me with the minutes,” Clowney said.
Clowney, the 21st overall pick in the 2023 draft out of Alabama, is a bright spot among the Nets’ 2023 first-round picks.
Darik Whitehead, chosen to fill Clowney’s next spot, played in just two games before undergoing season-ending shin surgery in January.
Monday’s second quarter was highlighted by a slight shot fake that prompted Clowney’s drive into the lane and ended with a huge dunk that ripped through the Raptors defense.
Interim head coach Kevin Ollie said he loves the initiative.
“He always goes out there and makes knock down shots, but I also like his aggressiveness going to the rim,” Oley said. “That dunk in the first half was pretty big-time. So just to see him attack the rim and space the court the way he did. But you guys, if you watch the game, The way he plays defense is amazing. He’s like another Knick. [Claxton] We have guys who can play guard and run through screens. …That’s more memorable than the 3 seconds or the dunk. ”
But perhaps an even more promising star was selected late in the second round of the same draft, 51st overall.
Wilson began building his NBA resume in an unexpected way.
Wilson was in his ninth professional game and a two-time MVP when former head coach Jacque Vaughn let the Nets star stand in a game against the Bucks, resulting in a $100,000 fine for the organization. Guarded Giannis Antetokounmpo, who shined.
On the other side of the floor, the former Kansas star had 21 points and 10 rebounds, making all 11 of his free throw attempts in 30 minutes.
Since then, his minutes have increased as needed in 33 games, logging 40 minutes for the shorthanded Nets on February 8 against the Cavaliers.
He made his second start of the season against the Raptors, posting 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 30 minutes.
If Johnson (left big toe sprain) and Thomas (lower back strain) are out with injuries, Clowney and Wilson could also play Wednesday against the Wizards.
Giving young players more opportunities is something Olly has wanted to do since taking on an interim role.
“They come in and do solid things. They do simple things better,” O’Ree said of Clowney and Wilson. “They give us more with their energy, their energy, their efforts. That’s what we need. And we’re going to continue to ask them to do that.”
