DALLAS — Danny Wolf’s Emergence with the Nets

It took Danny Wolf a little over a month to carve out a spot in the Nets’ rotation, but once he did, he quickly showcased his potential as a valuable player.

The rookie from Michigan State wasted no time making an impact, impressing teammates and coaches alike with both his skill and confidence on the court.

Ahead of the Nets’ 119-111 defeat to the Mavericks, Wolf had exceeded expectations, particularly with his mid-range shooting, hitting 44.4 percent from beyond the arc, ranking second among all rookies. He contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and an assist in that game.

His presence has strengthened Brooklyn’s frontcourt rotation since his recall from the G League.

“Danny always plays himself,” said coach Jordi Fernandes. “He made the most of every opportunity. After returning to Macau, he faced competition but still managed to elevate the team’s performance. Am I right or wrong in my assessments? It’s hard to say, but he truly capitalized on his chances to shine.”

Fernandes went on to highlight Wolf’s growth, stating, “When given the chance on Long Island, he took full advantage of his minutes. Now, in the rotation, he continues to seize those opportunities. I’m thrilled for him. He’s a remarkable player with a unique skill set given his size, and I’m still learning how to harness all that he can do.”

Wolf’s playmaking ability, particularly impressive for someone standing 6-foot-11, has been a pivotal factor for the Nets.

He started in the recent game and has averaged 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds over the last five games.

Both the Nets and Mavericks entered Friday’s matchup after a five-day rest period. In their previous games, the Nets secured a win against the Pelicans while the Mavericks triumphed over the Rockets.

“It’s vital to focus on our physical well-being, especially at this stage,” Fernandez remarked. “The schedule has been intense, but recovery is key. We’ve had a few solid practices, and it’s all about striving to be just a bit better each day.”

Before Friday’s game, Brooklyn also called up guard Nolan Traore. The young point guard had been averaging 18.8 points and 6.4 assists with Long Island, making him one of a select few in the G League to average more than six assists while shooting over 40 percent from three-point range.

In his last five games in the G League, dating back to December 1, Traore has averaged 22.2 points and 7.6 assists, with an impressive 58.3 percent shooting from deep, including 60 percent from three-point range.