The Nets’ future hinges on the success of their draft picks.
The upcoming second half of the season offers a crucial chance for the rookies to further their development.
For a team that seems somewhat out of rhythm, it’s essential to focus on aspects beyond just draft positioning when they return from the All-Star break.
“Each of them is improving and possesses the qualities we seek,” coach Jordi Fernandez mentioned after a practice. “We want them to be efficient to enhance our team’s competitiveness. However, achieving that efficiency may take time, whether in terms of shooting or playmaking. They’ve all made steady progress over time. They have set goals and understand we assess their performance every ten games, and they’re on the right path.”
Egor Demin stands out among these first-round selections.
Meanwhile, Nolan Traore, Danny Wolff, Drake Powell, and Ben Saraf have had a more varied experience. Notably, Saraf, who has been shifting between the G League and the NBA this year, was assigned to the Long Island Nets on Wednesday.
“It’s really about playing more and becoming more athletic and physical,” Traore stated about adjusting to the NBA’s demands. “It’s definitely more challenging.”
As the season progressed, Traore demonstrated potential, scoring over 20 points three times in nine games leading up to the break. Wolff, conversely, seemed to develop more momentum right before the break, averaging 14.0 points in his last four games, hitting 50.0 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from beyond the arc.
“I think I finally found my role,” Wolff expressed. “We were playing with confidence. We just keep getting better with each game. In the past, even if we performed well, there were series of games where we fell short of our own standards.”
“I want to keep improving in all areas of my game,” he continued. “I hope to gain more consistency from long-range shooting. I aim to create plays for my teammates while minimizing turnovers. I believe I’ve done a decent job, and I’ll keep identifying where to take my shots and when to push or hold back.”
These rookies are also adjusting to a more demanding schedule, which exceeds the length of college or overseas seasons.
“Experience is crucial,” Fernandez said, acknowledging that some players who have played professionally still haven’t tackled a schedule as packed as theirs currently is—playing four games a week for five weeks in a row. “It’s a rigorous schedule. I’ll prioritize taking care of my body while working through this,” he added. “Adapting physically and mentally is essential.”
Fernandez now faces the dilemma of deciding how best to facilitate the rookies’ growth. Should he maximize their on-court time together or be more selective in their opportunities?
“Playing alongside one another is vital, but having the right players on the court can also foster their growth,” he pointed out. “It’s about finding the right combination to support their success. They need to understand and leverage each other’s strengths.”
