The Brooklyn Nets are deep into the grind of the 2025-26 season, and with December now underway, decisions loom - not just about rotations and roles, but about the developmental path of some of their youngest players. Two names front and center in that conversation: Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf.
Before the Nets tipped off against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, head coach Jordi Fernandez addressed the future of both rookies. His message? Opportunity is there, but nothing is set in stone.
“They're going to play tonight, but nothing is guaranteed,” Fernandez said pregame. “And it's not just them - it's everybody else, too.”
That’s the reality of a team still trying to find its footing. The Nets are 3-16 and riding a five-game skid.
When wins are hard to come by, minutes become auditions, and Fernandez is watching closely. What he’s seen from Wolf and Saraf, particularly in their recent outing against Milwaukee, has been encouraging.
“I thought they did a nice job competing and playing extremely hard [in Milwaukee],” Fernandez said. “Ultimately, that’s what I want from everybody.”
That effort earned them another shot Monday night. For Fernandez, the long NBA season - all 82 games of it - offers plenty of chances for players to prove themselves, especially on a roster still searching for answers.
Ben Saraf, the 19-year-old guard out of South Africa and a 2025 draft pick, has shown flashes. He’s averaging 4.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 31.4% from the field. He posted a season-high 10 points in Sunday’s loss to the Bucks - a small but notable step forward in his development.
Danny Wolf, a former standout at Michigan, has been even more productive. He’s putting up 5.8 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, shooting a respectable 42.1% from the floor.
Against Milwaukee, he turned heads with a breakout performance - 22 points, five made threes on nine attempts, plus four assists and four boards. It was one of the few bright spots in a 116-99 loss.
But Monday night brought a reset. Despite their recent momentum, both Wolf and Saraf were held scoreless in the first half against Charlotte.
Still, the game was tight. Charlotte edged ahead early, 27-26, with neither team able to create much separation.
Day’Ron Sharpe briefly ignited the Nets with a thunderous dunk to open the second quarter, giving Brooklyn a short-lived lead.
At the break, the game was knotted at 59 apiece. Michael Porter Jr. led all scorers with 17 points in the first half, while Nic Claxton chipped in 11 for the Nets. Noah Clowney added nine of his own.
For Brooklyn, this season is about more than just wins and losses. It’s about development, evaluation, and building something sustainable. That means players like Wolf and Saraf will continue to get their moments - some bigger than others - as the coaching staff gauges who can be part of the long-term picture.
The performances may not always light up the box score, but the effort? That’s non-negotiable. And if nothing else, both rookies are showing they’re willing to fight for their spot.