TITLE: Rookie Highlights Offer Glimpse of Future as Nets Slide Continues
SLUG: rookie-highlights-offer-glimpse-of-future-as-nets-slide-continues
CONTENT:
The Brooklyn Nets dropped their fourth straight game over the weekend and sit at 3-16, yet recent performances from first-year players have provided rare bright spots.
Egor Demin’s Breakout Before Injury Timeout
First-round pick Egor Demin produced his best NBA outing in Friday’s 121-108 loss to Philadelphia. After a scoreless opening half, the 6’8” guard erupted for 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two blocks, one steal and five three-pointers.
“We really needed to flip a switch and find a way,” Demin said postgame. “For me, it was the moment I found that extra energy… being decisive and focused on what I can control.”
Head coach Jordi Fernández praised the surge but pushed for steadier output. “He has to do that for four quarters,” Fernández said. “It doesn’t need to be equal, but he has to find a way.”
Demin sat out Saturday’s meeting with Milwaukee as he continues to rehabilitate a left plantar fascia tear suffered in the offseason.
Danny Wolf Shines Off the Bench
Second-round center Danny Wolf made only his second extended appearance Saturday and led Brooklyn with 22 points, four assists and five threes in 34 minutes. The 7-footer’s previous seven games had totaled just nine minutes of action.
Michael Porter Jr. Sidelined Again
Forward Michael Porter Jr. missed both weekend contests because of lower-back tightness. Although the team expressed no immediate alarm, Fernández emphasized caution. “We’re never going to rush him. His health is the No. 1 priority,” the coach said.
Nets Still Far from Giannis Conversation
Milwaukee underlined the gulf between the clubs in Saturday’s 128-97 blowout. Giannis Antetokounmpo needed only 19 minutes to post 29 points and eight rebounds, underscoring how much work Brooklyn faces to become an attractive destination for the two-time MVP. Antetokounmpo, linked over the summer to a potential move to New York, has repeatedly stated that contending for titles guides his decisions.
Brooklyn resumes play Tuesday, seeking both a fourth win and another look at its emerging rookie talent.
Source: Hoops Rumors
