"It's time to see progress": The test for Wolf and Sharf at the Nets
After a season with five first-round picks, the US sees the upcoming season as critical for the pair of Israelis, who will need to prove they are more than just potential.
The Brooklyn Nets put quite a few chips on the 2025 draft, with five first-round picks, and now their rookie class is reaching a test season. In a comprehensive article on "Yahoo", it was noted that after one season, it is hard to argue with the assertion that the team's entire draft class is the one that needs to prove itself more than any other.
The Nets selected Igor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Sharf, and Dani Wolf, with the desire to find as many pieces as possible for the club's rebuild. "It doesn't mean all five need to become stars," it was written, "but with so much draft capital invested in the team, Brooklyn needs to start understanding which of these players can become an important part of the future."
Sharf, who was selected 26th in the draft, received positive feedback thanks to his creativity and ability to create for others. "His court vision and ability to use his strength to get to the rim stood out at times," it was written about him. Alongside this, the article pointed out the challenges awaiting him: "The big question is whether he can improve his shooting and turnover issues, without losing the creativity that makes him an interesting player."
Dani Wolf also received praise for his rookie season. "Wolf perhaps had the most complete rookie season of the bunch," it was written. The Israeli averaged 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, and the Brooklyn organization was particularly impressed by his defensive instincts.
However, in Wolf's case as well, points for improvement were noted: "His shooting still leaves a lot of room for development." The forward finished the season with 40.5% from the field and 32.2% from three, numbers the Nets will want to see improved in his second season.
Of the five draft players, Demin is the one who already seems to inspire the most confidence. He scored 10.3 points per game in his rookie season, shot 37.5% from beyond the arc, and showed good defensive ability. On the other hand, Nolan Traore and Drake Powell will need to show more significant improvement. Regarding Powell in particular, it was written that "the athleticism that made him a first-round pick is still there, but it hasn't consistently translated into an impact on the game."
Brooklyn does not expect all five players to become stars, but after such a large investment in the draft, the goal is to start getting answers. "They don't need to prove everything this season," it was written, "but after a full rookie season of development, it's time for the Nets to start seeing real progress."
