The Brooklyn Nets are shifting gears this season, and the focus is clear: it’s all about rookie development and setting the foundation for the future. After leaning heavily on veterans to open the year, head coach Jordi Fernandez and his staff are now giving the young guys a real shot to earn their place in the rotation. That means more minutes-and more responsibility-for rookies Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf, both of whom are fresh off G League stints and now getting meaningful NBA run.
Over the past week, both players have made the most of their opportunities, flashing the kind of potential that turns heads in coaching meetings and front office discussions. But Fernandez isn’t handing out anything for free. When asked about their long-term status with the big club, he kept it real.
“Nothing is guaranteed,” he said ahead of Monday’s win over the Hornets. “It’s not just them, it’s everybody else too.
I thought they did a nice job competing and playing extremely hard [in Milwaukee]. Ultimately, that’s what I want from everybody.”
That mindset speaks volumes. This isn’t just about Wolf and Saraf-it’s about building a culture where playing time is earned, not given.
And with 82 games on the calendar, there will be chances. The question is: who’s ready to seize them?
Danny Wolf: Making His Case in the Frontcourt
Wolf, in particular, has made a strong first impression. His last three games marked his first real stretch of extended NBA minutes, and he didn’t waste them.
Against Milwaukee, the rookie delivered a breakout performance-22 points on 8-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from deep, along with four assists. That kind of offensive versatility from a big man is eye-catching, especially in today’s NBA where floor spacing is king.
Then came Monday’s game against Charlotte, and while the box score was more modest-10 points on 4-of-9 shooting, seven rebounds, and an assist in 19 minutes-it was the how that stood out. All 10 of his points came in the fourth quarter, including a thunderous dunk over Miles Bridges that might just be the Nets’ highlight of the season so far. That’s the kind of moment that gets a locker room buzzing and a coaching staff thinking about rotation tweaks.
What helps Wolf’s case even more is his positional flexibility. At 6’10”, he’s been able to slide between both forward spots and center, giving Brooklyn options in a crowded frontcourt that already features Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Noah Clowney. In a rotation that’s still finding its identity, that versatility could be his ticket to consistent minutes.
Ben Saraf: Flashes of Playmaking, But a Tough Climb
Saraf’s path is a little more complicated. After starting the first five games of the season at point guard, he was sent down to the G League to recalibrate. Now back with the big club, he’s shown flashes-especially in that Milwaukee game, where he tallied 10 points, seven assists, and just three turnovers on efficient shooting (4-of-8 from the field, 2-of-4 from three).
But consistency is the name of the game, and Saraf struggled to find it against Charlotte. He finished with just seven points on 2-of-9 shooting, including 1-of-7 from deep, along with two assists and two turnovers in 18 minutes. For a young guard trying to carve out a role, that kind of shooting night makes it harder to stay on the floor.
And the competition at his position is stiff. Egor Demin and Tyrese Martin have already earned the trust of the coaching staff in the point guard rotation. Add in rookie Drake Powell and veteran Terance Mann, both of whom have logged significant backcourt minutes, and there just aren’t many open seats at the table right now.
What’s Next?
The Nets are clearly in evaluation mode. With a roster full of young talent and an 82-game runway, these next few weeks are critical for players like Wolf and Saraf. It’s not just about putting up numbers-it’s about showing you belong, night in and night out.
They’ll get another shot to prove themselves on Wednesday when the team heads to Chicago to take on the Bulls. For Wolf, it’s a chance to keep building momentum and force Fernandez’s hand in the rotation. For Saraf, it’s about bouncing back and showing he can hang with the speed and physicality of NBA guards.
This is the part of the season where roles start to solidify, and for Brooklyn, that means the rookies are on the clock. The opportunity is there. Now it’s up to them to run with it.