Nets Focus on Rookie Development Amid Struggles
The Nets are on the lookout for their next promising player, while Jordi Fernandez is focused on developing the rookies currently on the team.
This approach involves a bit of tough love from the head coach, especially towards first-round draft picks Egor Demin and Drake Powell.
In a recent game against Dallas, both players saw reduced playing time, and it became apparent that there could be more challenges ahead, particularly after a game with the Bucks.
Demin, the Nets’ first lottery pick in over a decade, is expected to be a solid point guard. However, he faced a rough outing in the starting lineup, finishing with only three points in an 18-minute game marked by several missteps.
The young Russian struggled through a 1-of-7 shooting performance, including 1-of-4 from beyond the arc, along with one assist and one rebound, but also had two turnovers.
Encouraged to be more aggressive, it seemed he was perhaps pushing himself too hard, leading to an uncharacteristic mistake. He attempted to drive into heavy traffic, but ended up getting blocked, aiming for a foul that never came, before delivering a careless behind-the-back pass that resulted in a turnover.
The fourth quarter wasn’t kind, as he only logged 2 minutes and 14 seconds. According to Basketball Reference, this marked his first negative game score in the NBA.
“He was trying to rectify what went wrong by forcing the play, which isn’t ideal,” reflected Fernandez. “I want him to approach the game with better preparation and physicality.”
Fernandez added, “This isn’t the style we want from him. If he doesn’t improve, he’ll lose valuable minutes to others. He does care, though. He usually bounces back after tough performances.”
On average, Demin has managed 9.9 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting at 39.4% overall and 36.3% from three.
Despite recent setbacks, Fernandez pointed out, “What stands out is his consistency as a person. He listens and engages, and I trust he will give it his all. His defensive plays have been solid, and he’s shown flair in offense, especially setting up shots for others.”
Concerning his offensive game, Fernandez expressed satisfaction with Demin’s potential, emphasizing the importance of spacing and making sound decisions.
Meanwhile, Powell has not had the chance to correct his errors on the court. Since entering the rotation on November 7, he’s played an average of 21.1 minutes per game, with each appearance exceeding 13 minutes.
However, his recent performance was brief, amounting to just 2 minutes and 41 seconds before the game against Dallas.
Compounding the situation, rookie Nolan Traore was called up from the G League, eating into the minutes Powell usually would have received.
Fernandez acknowledged the mixing of gameplay and opportunity, stating, “It’s crucial for young players to realize every minute counts, but they shouldn’t play anxiously about mistakes. Repeating lapses isn’t the approach we want to cultivate.”
“This sentiment applies universally; we all need to raise our game. I believe Powell will come back fully prepared, while Traore displayed great confidence and contributed positively during his opportunity.”
