As the Brooklyn Nets gear up for the upcoming NBA season, guard Ben Saraf is feeling optimistic about his prospects for a breakout sophomore year. After a summer of hard work and development, Saraf believes that the game has slowed down for him, a promising sign as he heads into training camp.
During his rookie season, Saraf faced challenges, averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds over 44 games. His shooting percentages were a concern, as he managed only 39.6% from the field and a dismal 21.1% from beyond the arc. However, as the season progressed, coach Jordi Fernández began to adjust the team's rotations, which allowed Saraf to gain more on-ball experience in the final months of the season.
One of the highlights of Saraf's rookie campaign came on March 19, when he scored a career-high 22 points against the Portland Trail Blazers. He ended the season on a high note, scoring 15 or more points in four consecutive games, which helped build his confidence heading into the offseason.
Reflecting on his summer, Saraf shared his thoughts with The Jerusalem Post, stating, “During my workouts over the past few months, the Summer League and our team practices, I already feel like the game has slowed down for me a bit. You have to get used to the pace and understand better what’s expected of you.” He emphasized his commitment to improving his shooting, building physical strength, and learning how to prepare for games effectively.
Looking ahead, Saraf aims to secure a significant role with the Nets right from the start of the season, rather than waiting until later in the year. A key opportunity for him will arise during training camp, where he will compete for the backup point guard position. With the Nets drafting Mikel Brown Jr. as the sixth overall pick, he is expected to take on the starting point guard role immediately. Additionally, the team has signed shooting guard Keon Ellis, leaving the backup point guard spot open for competition.
Saraf will face competition from fellow first-round pick Nolan Traoré, who also shared on-ball responsibilities with him during the previous season. Both players have reportedly made strides in their development over the summer, with Saraf receiving praise from teammate Chaney Johnson for his improvements. Saraf's experience in the summer league gives him a slight edge, as Traoré was sidelined due to a knee procedure.
Despite some struggles in efficiency during the summer league, where Saraf averaged 10 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 37.3% shooting, he did show improvement in his three-point shooting, hitting 33.3% of his attempts. The ability to stretch the floor will be crucial as he competes for the backup role.
As Saraf continues to make progress, his development is a positive sign for the Nets, who view him as a potential core piece of their future. With the need for one more player from the Flatbush Five to step up, Saraf's growth could play a vital role in the team's success this season.
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