On Friday, the Nets are in for a tough test as they head to Dallas.
Effort during the season doesn’t necessarily ensure a team will secure a top pick in the draft lottery. It’s unpredictable, really. Sometimes, even teams that didn’t aim to lose end up winning big.
The Mavericks are a prime example of this unpredictability.
Last season, teams like the Nets, Jazz, Wizards, and Hornets were all in on the idea of losing for a better draft position. Yet, despite their best efforts, the Mavericks emerged victorious in the lottery with the 12th worst record, which was quite the shock considering they had traded away Luka Doncic, their star player. It’s one of those oddities of sports, I guess.
As of Tuesday morning, the Nets had slipped to sixth in the lottery odds, trailing the Pelicans, who happened to win three out of their last four games.
There’s no sure thing when it comes to the draft in June. Hence, the Nets really need to focus on drafting and nurturing young talent if they’re serious about rebuilding.
“All we’re focused on is the process,” coach Jordi Fernandes shared after practice on Tuesday.
Fernandes is really the person steering this initiative, aiming to cultivate the Nets’ five rookies into vital contributors for the future.
All of these rookies, with the exception of Egor Demin, the No. 8 overall pick, have been playing in Long Island. They’ve switched back and forth between the two teams, with Drake Powell and Ben Saraf recently sent to Long Island. It may seem a bit inefficient for the development plan, but Fernandes insists that communication and expectations remain consistent.
“No matter what their plans are, we want to see that translate to our team,” Fernandes explained. “For instance, if I ask Ben to improve his pick-and-roll execution and cut back on inefficient pull-up threes, it should apply both places. He needs to be aware of where that optimal three-point shot is at all times. The same applies to defense as well.”
“We’re not making emotional decisions here,” he added. “We’re crafting their schedule based on their progress and what the team requires to stay competitive.”
Fernandes aims for his rookies to play between 50 and 70 games this season to help them gain valuable experience. Progress has been visible during the NBA Trials.
In Saturday’s matchup against the Pelicans, Danny Wolf managed 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, while Demin contributed 7 assists, and Saraf also recorded 7 points and 4 assists. Powell really shined against the Hornets, scoring 10 points along with 4 assists and 3 steals.
After being called up during Michael Porter Jr.’s absence due to a hip injury, Wolf has participated in just three NBA games yet has shown promise over the past six contests. He’s averaging 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 45% from the field in about 22 minutes of playtime.
“The coaching staff and front office have made it very clear they want us to get as much playing time as possible, wherever that might be,” Wolf reflected. “While on Long Island, I really focused on making the most of my time, and once I was here, I just tried to capitalize on every opportunity. No matter where I am, my goal is to continuously improve.”
It’s hard not to think about what might have been if the Nets had chosen No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, but fostering growth from within is crucial for their long-term strategy. That’s a certainty.
