Over the past two weeks, we’ve seen some positives and negatives from the Nets. In a recent NBA Cup game against the Magic, Brooklyn was up 98–94 with 2:37 left in the fourth. They had been performing well for most of the game, and it looked like they could secure another win. Then it all fell apart. The Nets proceeded to not score for the final two and a half minutes of the game, leaving Coach Fernández furious. Although this loss brought their spirits down, the very next game they faced the Wizards, who had the exact same record. This time, the Nets controlled the game, winning in a 129–106 blowout. MPJ led the team with thirty-four points, along with Tyrese Martin, who added twenty. This season might not be going the way they want, but we’ve seen some light at the end of the tunnel with the emergence of Egor Dёmin and Drake Powell. There is still concern about Jordi Fernández’s minute distribution, but the better MPJ and the other non-rookies play, the more value they have as potential trade pieces at the deadline.

At the beginning of the season, Drake Powell was not receiving much time on the court. Recently, he has been in the rotation more consistently. In games where he has played over twenty minutes, he is averaging around 8/2/3 along with one steal, and he is also shooting 100% from the free-throw line. Although it might not always show up on the stat sheet, Powell has brought great energy and spectacular athleticism. Every bucket feels like a highlight play. Out of all the rookies we’ve seen so far on the Nets, he looks like he has the most potential. This was especially evident in a blowout loss to the Knicks, when Powell posted 15/2/3 and went 3-for-3 from deep. Drake brings the spark this team has been looking for, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he becomes a great player in the future.

Next, we have to talk about the way Jordi Fernández is distributing minutes. Let’s just say that what he’s doing is not normal. When you have five first-round picks on your team, how are they supposed to develop if they don’t get on the court? Let’s give some examples. The Nets will not need Terance Mann, Tyrese Martin, and Ziaire Williams in the future. Each of these guys is pushing thirty and still playing over twenty minutes a night. Let’s be honest— the Nets are not making the playoffs anytime soon. There is absolutely no reason to be playing Tyrese Martin over guys like Danny Wolf and Nolan Traore, who actually have the potential to become good players down the line. VTo put this into perspective, Danny Wolf is playing 2.7 minutes per game, and Nolan Traore is playing 8.8. Those two players combined don’t even make up half as many minutes as Tyrese Martin. There’s a difference between easing rookies into the rotation and not playing them at all. Explain to me how the Nets are supposed to win games in the future if they are marketing G League players as their superstars. Jordi needs to figure out what he’s doing before he ends up getting fired just like every other coach the Nets have had.

Overall, the Nets are clearly a team in transition, showing flashes of promise but struggling with direction. Young players like Egor Dёmin and Drake Powell are proving they deserve a real investment of minutes and trust. If the organization can finally commit to developing young players, the future in Brooklyn may be brighter than it appears right now.