Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez publicly challenged his first unit and two rookie point guards after Tuesday’s blowout defeat to the Heat in Miami.
Forward Michael Porter Jr. endured his worst outing of the 2025/26 campaign, scoring nine points on 3-of-17 shooting and missing all nine three-point attempts. “I want Mike and the first group to play as hard as they can,” Fernandez said. “If that happens, I can live with whatever happens.”
Starting rookie guard Nolan Traore committed six turnovers without an assist, while fellow first-round pick Ben Saraf had six turnovers and four assists off the bench. “They need to grow and learn from it,” the coach noted, adding that the pair is “way better than 12 turnovers.”
In Thursday’s rematch in Miami, Traore and Saraf combined for 11 assists against four turnovers, but Brooklyn still dropped its tenth straight game.
Injury Update on Egor Dëmin
Saraf has been handling backup point-guard duties because rookie Egor Dëmin remains sidelined by lingering soreness in his left foot. The Russian guard missed most of training camp after a plantar fascia tear and is now dealing with increased plantar fasciitis discomfort. Fernandez said the team is “being cautious” while determining the best path forward.
Fernandez Responds to Cam Thomas
Former Net Cam Thomas told reporters last week that he left Brooklyn because the organization “didn’t believe” in him. Before Thursday’s tip-off, Fernandez wished Thomas well but defended the current roster. “We loved him while he was here,” he said. “We hope he does very well where he is.” Thomas signed with Milwaukee last month after being waived following the trade deadline.
Carrino Wins Gowdy Honor
Long-time Nets play-by-play voice Chris Carrino will receive the Curt Gowdy Award for electronic media, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Friday.
Source: Hoops Rumors
