Nets Focusing on Rookies' Development in Second Half

Coaches aim to maximize playing time and find the right combinations for young players

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Brooklyn Nets are focusing on developing their five first-round rookie players in the second half of the NBA season. Head coach Jordi Fernández says the young players have shown improvement, but will need to adjust to the demanding NBA schedule. The Nets must determine how to best aid the rookies' development, whether that's maximizing their minutes together or being more selective with the lineups.

Why it matters

The Nets are clearly in a rebuilding mode, so the growth and development of their rookie class is crucial. Finding the right balance between playing time, lineup combinations, and managing the workload will be key for the coaching staff as they aim to maximize the potential of these young players.

The details

The Nets' five first-round picks - Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf, Drake Powell, and Ben Saraf - have shown mixed results so far this season. Dëmin has been the standout, while Traore, Wolf, and Powell have had their ups and downs adjusting to the NBA's higher physicality and pace. Saraf has split time between the NBA and G-League. Coach Fernández says the team has a plan for each rookie's development, with check-ins every 10 games. The challenge will be managing their workload in the second half, as the NBA schedule is more demanding than what they're used to in college or overseas.

  • The Nets have played 4 games per week for the last 5 weeks leading into the All-Star break.
  • The team will continue with a similarly dense schedule coming out of the break.

The players

Jordi Fernández

The head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, tasked with developing the team's young rookie players.

Egor Dëmin

One of the Nets' five first-round rookie draft picks, considered the standout of the group so far this season.

Nolan Traore

A Nets rookie who has shown promise but is still adjusting to the physicality and pace of the NBA game.

Danny Wolf

A Nets rookie who seemed to find his stride right before the All-Star break, averaging 14 points on 50% shooting over the last 4 games.

Ben Saraf

A Nets rookie who has split time between the NBA and G-League this season.

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What they’re saying

“Each one of them has gotten better with the things that we're looking for. Obviously, you want them to play as efficient as they can to help the team compete. Sometimes, that efficiency doesn't come right away — whether it's shooting, playmaking, whatever it is. But all of them have done good things in stretches.”

— Jordi Fernández, Head Coach, Brooklyn Nets (New York Post)

“Just more games and a higher athleticism and higher physicality. It's more demanding.”

— Nolan Traore, Nets Rookie (New York Post)

“I think I finally found where my spots were gonna be. I was playing with confidence. Just gotta build game after game. Before, I would have a good game, then a stretch of games where I didn't play up to my standard.”

— Danny Wolf, Nets Rookie (New York Post)

What’s next

The Nets coaching staff will need to carefully manage the workload and playing time of their rookie players in the second half of the season to aid their development, while also balancing the need to remain competitive.

The takeaway

The Nets' focus on developing their young rookie talent is a crucial part of their rebuilding process. Finding the right balance between playing time, lineup combinations, and managing workload will be key for the coaching staff as they aim to maximize the potential of these promising young players.