Ben Saraf had been eagerly anticipating Monday night, and for a few moments at Barclays Center, it was everything he had hoped for. Facing off against Deni Avdija, an All-Star forward and fellow countryman, Saraf, a 19-year-old rookie, seized the opportunity to shine. Despite the Nets falling to the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95, Saraf delivered his most complete NBA performance, tallying a career-high 15 points on 5-for-10 shooting, along with four assists, four steals, and four turnovers in just over 23 minutes off the bench.
“It was great,” Saraf shared about facing Avdija. “I was waiting for this game a long time.
He’s a great dude, a great friend of mine, especially with Danny Wolf, too. Like, three Jews at the same time on the court was something very special.”
For the Nets, Saraf's performance came at a crucial moment. His rookie season has been a rollercoaster, even by the standards of a rebuilding team experimenting with young talent.
Initially starting as Brooklyn’s point guard, Saraf found himself out of the rotation after five games, spending time in the G League. While fellow rookies Egor Dëmin, Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, and Nolan Traoré have played more games, Saraf has appeared in 32.
With Dëmin sidelined for the rest of the season, Saraf, the 26th overall pick, is finally getting the chance to showcase his skills. Although Brooklyn's season might be a wash, Saraf's minutes are becoming increasingly significant, and his recent performances suggest he's catching up to his potential.
This season, Saraf is averaging 5.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, shooting 38% from the field and 22% from beyond the arc. While these numbers reflect early challenges, his recent games tell a different story.
Since February 27, Saraf has played in every game, and his improvement is evident. He's scored in double figures for four consecutive games, averaging 11.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 53.1% from the field, though his 3-point shot remains elusive.
However, there's a consistent challenge: turnovers. Saraf is averaging 3.0 turnovers per game during this stretch, highlighting the need for better ball security alongside his rising assist numbers.
Coach Fernández sees Saraf's potential as a high-level defender, praising his ability to size up and pressure the ball. Yet, he emphasizes the need for Saraf to focus more on off-ball defense, being aware of rotations and positioning.
Offensively, the instructions are clear: play off two feet, make simple reads, and avoid forcing difficult shots. Against tough defenders, Fernández wants Saraf to prioritize patience and smart decision-making to avoid turnovers that lead to easy points for the opposition.
Saraf is taking these lessons to heart. He acknowledges that many turnovers stem from poor decisions, like passing off one leg or driving without control. He's working on simplifying his game and reducing risky plays.
Interestingly, Saraf's development has been more consistent when he's had a stable role. In 15 games with Long Island, he averaged 15.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, finding rhythm through defined responsibilities. Brooklyn's current rotation is offering him a similar opportunity, and the results are promising.
Monday's matchup against Avdija was more than just a memorable moment; it was a milestone. Saraf demonstrated his ability to pressure the ball, create scoring opportunities, and set up teammates while leaving room for further growth. He's growing more comfortable, both in New York and within the league's pace.
“I think maybe I kind of got used to it,” Saraf said. “I did the adjustments as a person living in New York, also as a player on the court, so I kind of got used to everything. So, I think I feel more comfortable, with more confidence here, so it’s a good thing.”
When reflecting on what he needs to improve, Saraf points to control.
“I feel like the last couple of months it was a lot of passes off one leg, that I’m getting into the rim with no control, or someone taking a charge, or I’m turning over the ball because I’m committed to the play already,” Saraf explained. “Sometimes I’m just trying maybe too fancy or dangerous passes. I try to reduce those.”