Should Nets’ Fernández Insert Minott, Powell Into Rotation?

The Brooklyn Nets have too many young players on the roster who haven't carved out a role in the rotation, and with a 2-8 record, changes must happen.

Some players, like second-year guard Nolan Traoré, have broken out and earned coach Jordi Fernández's trust. Fernández swapped Keon Ellis out for Traoré in the starting lineup, and he hasn't disappointed.

While the 6-foot-3 point guard is a bright spot for Brooklyn, it's not the same for several others. Ellis and Noah Clowney have disappointed during the Nets' slow start.

Clowney fouled out in eight minutes against the Dallas Mavericks last Sunday, finishing with two points. He's averaging five points on 37.2/26.1/70.6 splits, all career lows.

A shift from starting 60 games last season to coming off the bench this season could be key to his regression. Nonetheless, the 22-year-old isn't impressing in a smaller, weighted sample.

Ellis hasn't lived up to his reputation as a 3-and-D guard. Brooklyn signed him to a two-year, $18 million contract, and he's shooting 27.6% from downtown.

His defense, one block and 1.2 steals per game, is his saving grace right now.

Their sluggish starts should spark a change in Fernández's rotation. Josh Minott and Drake Powell eagerly wait for their opportunity at the back end of the bench in most games.

Minott collecting DNPs is a real head-scratcher. The 6-foot-8 forward impressed in 16 games last season, averaging 10.8 points on 49.1/39.5/80 splits and 1.3 steals per game while nursing an ankle injury.

The Nets may have found a gem and wanted to keep him in their organization a bit longer. They signed him to a two-year, $9 million contract this past offseason.

He's also struggled to shoot from three, converting 23.8% of his three-point attempts. Minott has made up for his inconsistency by driving to the rim and getting to the free-throw line.

Powell is part of the Flatbush Five, including Traoré, and he's been the least promising of all his peers. He has the athletic tools to become a pesky point-of-attack defender, but often is a step too slow off the ball.

The 21-year-old needs the opportunity to show he's improved from his rookie season. Brooklyn would have a formidable defensive backcourt if Powell and Ellis could space the floor.

Fixing these issues now helps Fernández understand which players are ready to contribute and which aren't. The Nets wanted to compete and win this season, but things aren't going according to plan.