Stepping up due to injuries, Ben Saraf ignites the Nets' offense with recent double-digit scoring and impressive defense, showcasing growing confidence.
Amidst the Brooklyn Nets (17-51) losing rookie point guard Egor Dรซmin to a season-ending left foot injury, Ben Saraf has stepped up, scoring double-digits in his past four games after previously eclipsing 10 points just four times.
The rookie guard is averaging 5.8 points, 3.1 assists and 1.5 rebounds on 38-percent shooting from the field. He recently returned from a lingering calf injury that has kept him limited to just 32 appearances this season.
During Monday's 114-95 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Saraf recorded career highs in points (15) and steals (four), went 5-for-10 in shooting, and added four assists.
Nets coach Jordi Fernandez complimented Saraf following the game.
"We believe Ben is a high-level defender and he can be even better. His size, the way he can chest the ball and pressure the ball," Fernandez said.
He also praised Saraf's passing skills, giving credit to an "amazing play" in the fourth quarter, where the 6-foot-6 point guard sprayed a pass ahead in transition for a Danny Wolf 3-pointer, forcing a Trail Blazers timeout.
Fernandez is taking it slow with Saraf's development, telling reporters he just needs him to "be 1-percent better" than the day before, giving Saraf credit for doing that Monday night.
Saraf has also recognized his improvement and increased comfort over the past few weeks, but is focused on improving as an off-ball defender.
"I feel like one-on-one defense, I'm doing a pretty good job. I think the next step for me is the off-the-ball defense," Saraf told reporters after Monday's game.
Saraf also talked about the historical and cultural meaning behind this game, as he suited up with Israeli-American teammate Danny Wolf to take on Deni Avdija, who became the first Israeli NBA All-Star this season.
"It was great. I was waiting for this game a long time," Saraf said. "Three Israelis at the same time on the court, it was something very special."
Saraf said he and Avdija are close friends. They commemorated the historic night with a jersey swap following the game.
Saraf's growth is encouraging for a Nets team looking to find pieces for the future. And ahead of a highly talented, guard-heavy draft, Saraf will need to continue to improve to stay within the franchise's long-term goals.
The Nets are back in action Wednesday, hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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