Summer League Opener for the Nets

LAS VEGAS – Brooklyn’s Drew Timme, now in his second year, made quite an impression during the summer league opener, showing a glimpse of what he can do as a rookie.

“We reminded him that he needs to be a stable force for us,” said Assistant Coach Steve Hetzel, after Timme scored a significant 22 points in a 90-81 loss to Oklahoma City. “Our message to Drew is clear: come here and be the best player. We need him to shine for the rest of the league to see how talented he truly is.”

Timme was impressive, making 10 of his 13 shots, along with grabbing nine rebounds and blocking a shot. His performance peaked in the fourth quarter where he scored 12 points on six attempts.

“His skills really showed tonight,” remarked teammate Nolan Traore. “Having a smart guy who can play the low post is really beneficial for our team, so it’s definitely a plus.”

With four of the five first-round picks also participating, Timme faces the challenge of emerging as a leader during their time in Las Vegas.

“Of course. As the older guy, you want to absorb everything quickly and learn from the others. He’s laid-back and always eager for advice. It’s great to share the court with him,” said a teammate. “He played really well tonight and is just a genuinely fun person to be around.”

Timme’s contract is unguaranteed, but he’s in the running for Brooklyn’s open two-way spot.

“We still have several players on the roster, so the starting lineup isn’t set in stone,” Hetzel noted. “But he needs to develop his game further, and then we’ll see how that plays out.”

Brooklyn’s head coach, Jordi Fernandez, invited Valencia coach Pedro Martinez and Spanish basketball star Anna Cruz to assist the team as they prepare for the summer league. Cruz, who hails from Fernandez’s hometown of Badalona, is also helping out in Las Vegas.

“Having Coach Pedro around has been fantastic. We discussed some of his strategies on offensive rebounding, which have been successful over the years. I picked up a few concepts from him,” Hetzel shared. “Anna has also been incredibly supportive on the court. She’s established and brings a lot of value to our sessions.”

Meanwhile, Darik Whitehead expressed enthusiasm over the addition of Michael Porter Jr. “He’s a great fit for us. Having experienced champions like him will be a tremendous chance for everyone to learn and grow.”