Wolf Turns Draft Slide Into Motivation as Porter Jr. Makes All-Star Push for Nets
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Rookie center Danny Wolf said dropping to the No. 27 pick in June’s draft continues to drive him as he begins his first season with the Brooklyn Nets.
“I’d be lying if I said I don’t have a chip on my shoulder,” Wolf told reporters. “I’m going to keep proving what I can become as long as I’m in this league.”
The former Michigan standout acknowledged that concerns about his defense hurt his draft stock but believes he has already shown he can compete on that end. “There were a lot of questions about whom I could guard,” he said. “It’s still a work in progress, and I need to get quicker and stronger.”
Porter Jr. building All-Star résumé
Michael Porter Jr. is averaging career highs of 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists. According to advanced metrics cited by the New York Daily News, the forward’s production places him firmly in the All-Star conversation despite Brooklyn’s rebuilding status. The Nets are 6-3 when he scores at least 30.
“Just look at us when he’s on the court versus when he’s not,” center Nic Claxton said. “His averages are off the charts, so he definitely should be an All-Star.”
Staff addition: Joey Hauser
Former Michigan State forward Joey Hauser, brother of Boston’s Sam Hauser, has joined Brooklyn as a video assistant this season. Hauser spent last year with the College Park Skyhawks, Atlanta’s G League affiliate, and briefly held a two-way contract with Utah.
Highsmith inching toward debut
Forward Haywood Highsmith, acquired from Miami in mid-August, has yet to appear for Brooklyn because of a knee injury. He participated in pregame warm-ups Thursday but has not been cleared for contact.
Source: Hoops Rumors
