The Brooklyn Nets' rookie class is starting to make waves, and Saturday's game was a showcase for one promising talent: Ben Saraf. Drafted 26th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, Saraf has been navigating the challenging transition to the NBA, often shuttling between the Nets and their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.
On Saturday, Saraf seized the opportunity to shine, logging 31 minutes and contributing 12 points in a closely contested game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the Nets falling 104-97, Saraf's performance was a bright spot, marking the third consecutive game where he scored in double digits-a personal milestone for the young guard.
Brooklyn's head coach, Jordi Fernandez, couldn't hide his satisfaction with Saraf's progress. "That’s growth," Fernandez remarked postgame.
"I’m very happy because we keep talking to him about playing off two feet, finding the spray, being solid, and he was amazing tonight. That’s the definition of getting one percent better."
Saraf's journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Adjusting to the speed and physicality of the NBA can be daunting, but Fernandez has been careful not to overwhelm him.
"It doesn’t need to be anything crazy, but there’s little wins. He’s already a really good player - size, he can guard, handle, pass," Fernandez added.
"So good performance. Five assists to one turnover is elite.”
Saraf himself acknowledged the adjustment to playing "off two feet," a strategy that seems to be paying off. "When you’re playing off two, everything is easier," Saraf explained.
"It’s something new for me. I’m trying to make the adjustment.
The size and athleticism here is different. It’s harder to make plays off one, so you have to play off two.”
Even when faced with a potential turnover early in the game, Saraf maintained his composure, showcasing his growing maturity on the court.
Saraf is part of a deep rookie class for the Nets, which also includes standout players like Nolan Traore and Egor Demin. While Demin is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a foot injury, the future looks bright for this group, with Saraf's recent performances adding to the optimism.
As the season progresses, the Nets will be looking to harness the potential of their young talents, and Saraf's development is a promising sign of what's to come.