Jaylen Wilson may have a fleeting chance.
His starting spot with the Nets (he started the last two games) could last only as long as Cam Johnson is out with a sprained right ankle and Brooklyn's already undermanned lineup needs adjustments. .
But games like Saturday's could also offer a glimpse of the future, as Johnson has been the subject of trade rumors and a candidate for the rebuilding Nets to make a deal before the Feb. 6 deadline.
Wilson, the Nets' 2023 second-round draft pick, will be in the midst of a rebuilding period, unlike Johnson, unlike current Warriors guard Dennis Schroder, and unlike current Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith. He falls into the category of players who can continue to persevere.
Wilson falls into the category of young players that head coach Jordi Fernandes wants to help develop and shape.
And during the Nets' 106-97 loss to the Heat at Barclays Center, Wilson grabbed a season-high nine rebounds, dished out a career-high eight assists, and scored 12 points in over 35 minutes. , marked the latest step in its growth. play time.
The 6-foot-8 forward's numbers improved even more in his second year, averaging 9.3 points (up from 5.0 points as a rookie), 8.2 shot attempts (up from 4.2) and 4.5 3-point attempts. (up from 1.7). every match.
His expanded presence in Brooklyn's offense has coincided with an increase in his role.
On a night when he fell one rebound and two assists short of the first triple-double of his career, Wilson provided a blueprint for what his future contributions will look like.
“I know we can rebound,” Wilson said after the game. Of course, not every game is going to be a high rebound game, but the mindset of being aggressive on the boards is definitely something you always want to have. Because it helps the team. ”
Wilson had an assist or score on three of the Nets' first four baskets on Saturday, snaring a pass from Bam Adebayo to rip up the court, and Ray in transition after receiving a return pass from D'Angelo Russell. I decided to upload it.
By halftime, Wilson already had six assists.
His final two shots of the first half sparked baskets from Russell and Noah Clowney to pull the Nets within four points after 24 minutes.
He knew the Nets would have to hit the boards with the Heat starting 6-foot-9 Adebayo and 7-foot center Keel Ware.
“When people are on their feet, whether it’s me or Ben, [Simmons]”Noah, whoever it is, we're getting rebounds so we can get out and transition and that can start our offense,” Wilson said.
This was only the third time in his NBA career that he had nine or more rebounds, but in his final college season at Kansas in 2022-23, Wilson's rebound average jumped from 7.4 to 8.3.
The instinct to rebel is always present.
They spent time on his cameo with the Nets and now they've just extended his playing time.
However, Wilson's improvement has been evident since NBA Summer League, when he won MVP honors with 21.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1 assist per game.
That progress continued into the 2024-25 season, including during Johnson's most recent start against the Knicks on Tuesday when he aggravated an ankle injury and missed the game.
Wilson benefited when the Nets pivoted to youth activities under interim head coach Kevin Ollie at the end of last season.
That remained the case after Fernandes arrived, underscoring a similar vision for the future. It's about potential after the rebuilding dust settles and the pieces for the Nets' future are in place, when the long-term role is as clear as the short-term role. Period 1 — but it doesn't fool the present.
Depending on whether the Nets sign Johnson and what is included in his return package, the starting spot could be Wilson's in less than two weeks.
But for now, he continues to insist he's part of the Nets' future.
“What he's doing is something any team can use,” Russell said Saturday. “I mean, he’s a young player, but if you ask most teams in the league if they want him, I think they would.
“He's only scratched the surface of what he's capable of.”
