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The Brooklyn Nets have been playing their best basketball of the season of late. After opening the year just 3-16, the team has won six of their past nine games, including the largest victory in franchise history over the Milwaukee Bucks.
There have been a few factors in the team’s turnaround. Michael Porter Jr has continued to score at a career-high rate. Nic Claxton has been holding it down in the middle. And the play of the team’s rookies has made a major difference. The team did have five first-round picks in this pasyt draft, after all.
Egor Demin has been solid as the starting point guard. Danny Wolf has been putting on a show off the bench. Nolan Traore is finally getting some run. Drake Powell has been getting some DNP’s, but had some moments early on.
Let’s talk about Ben Saraf. He’s in the G-League, and balling out.
Ben Saraf Goes Nuclear in G-League
As mentioned above, the Nets drafted five rookies in the draft, so naturally, they can’t all get minutes right away. Ben Saraf, who opened the year as the starting point guard, has seen more time in the G-League, than with the major league club of late.
The Israeli guard lit up the scoreboard in the Winter Showcase the other night, making it clear that he won’t be in the G for too long.
Not even two years ago, Saraf spent time with the Israel U18 team at the 2024-25 FIBA EuroBasket. He averaged 28 points, five rebounds, and five assists per night, taking home the MVP award of the whole tournament. His highlights are below, showcasing the type of player the tall guard is capable of being.
With Egor Demin holding it down to begin games, there is absolutely a chance for Saraf to come back and play serious minutes. Nolan Traore has been holding it down as the primary backup of late, but on a young team, competition for minutes is what will be breeding all of the competition.
Nets Recall Ben Saraf After Monster Night
It should come as no surprise that the Nets did in fact recall Ben Saraf from the G-League just one day after his 40-point night. He didn’t see any minutes in the win over the 76ers, but should be able to suit up again for the team soon.
Brooklyn is a team to watch ahead of the trade deadline in February. Guys like Nic Claxton, Michael Porter Jr, and Terance Mann could all be on the move. Whether the team is looking to acquire more veterans or young talent is to be determined, but the team is unlikely to look like it does now at season’s end.
In a game against the Milwaukee Bucks a few weeks ago, Saraf put up 10 points and seven assists in a reserve role. He came away with a block, showcasing some of his versatility on the big-league stage.
Teams in a position like the Nets are in don’t face any pressure to win. Development comes first, and it’s for that reason that Saraf supporters should be staying positive about his chances. He’s proven it on the floor. He’s proven it in the G-League.
The Ben Saraf show will be stopping by a stadium near you, soon. And if does spend more time with the Long Island Nets, get the highlight reels ready.
Zach Weiss Zach Weiss is a sports reporter covering the NBA for Heavy. He also hosts a podcast about the Cleveland Cavaliers, “Across the Cavs,” and serves as a sports broadcaster for various institutions in the Greater NYC Area. He wrote for Knup Sports for six years. More about Zach Weiss
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