Ben

Saraf

After scoring 20 points in his first Las Vegas appearance on Friday, Brown did not play against the Hawks on Saturday. Back in action on Tuesday, the rookie point guard put together a solid floor game in Brooklyn’s 32-point victory. Given what the Nets saw from the point guards they selected in the first round of last year’s draft, Nolan Traoré and Ben Saraf, Brown should have every opportunity to earn significant rotation minutes when training camp opens in the fall. He’s looked up to the task thus far, and Brown’s back has not been an issue after missing 14 games at Louisville last season.

With Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin sitting out Saturday’s game, Saraf started at point guard and logged 32 minutes. He didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but the second-year guard recorded five assists and earned some trips to the foul line. Saraf’s rookie season was one to forget due to injuries and inconsistent play, and he’ll once again face a lot of competition for rotation minutes when training camp opens in the fall.

Injuries and inconsistent play when healthy conspired to make Saraf an afterthought during his rookie campaign. And with the Nets using their lottery pick to select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., having a good summer is essential for Saraf as he looks to carve out a consistent role for himself. Coming off the bench in Monday’s California Classic finale, the 26th overall pick in the 2025 draft shot the ball well and led the Nets in assists. Given Brooklyn’s youth on the perimeter, Saraf is worth keeping an eye on this summer.

Saraf had a strong finish to his rookie season, but the Nets’ backcourt only got more competitive with the addition of No. 6 overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. He didn’t play in this game, but he will likely start over Saraf when he eventually debuts. Saraf should have a role for the Nets this year, but it is unlikely he makes much of an impact in fantasy basketball.

Before fouling out, Saraf tallied a solid stat line in 26 minutes. This was his fourth straight start, and he has averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game during this stretch. Saraf was the 26th pick in the draft last summer and showed some flashes during his first year in the league. He likely won’t be ready to make significant contributions during his second season, but he’s worth stashing in dynasty formats.

Traoré was initially questionable for Sunday’s game. Ben Saraf has served as the starting point guard in recent games, so Traoré’s absence would not change anything there.

Traoré has come off the bench in recent games, with fellow rookie Ben Saraf handling the starting point guard responsibilities. That will remain the case on Sunday, regardless of Traoré’s availability.

Saraf has reached double figures in scoring in three consecutive games, one shy of his season-best run. The Nets’ rookie recorded a complete stat line against the Bucks and played 41 minutes. Nolan Traoré (14 points, four rebounds, three steals, one block and one three-pointer) has served as the backup, with Nets decision-makers and the coaching staff taking a longer look at Saraf. That should remain the rotation for Sunday’s season finale against the Raptors.

Despite shooting poorly from the three-point line, Saraf still managed to find production against the Pacers. He finished with a handful of boards and tied a team-high in assists, showing off some versatility in his game. Saraf has put together a solid few weeks toward the end of his rookie season that could be a confidence booster heading into the offseason and ultimately his second season. He’s got two games left to close strong.

Mann will miss his third game in a row, as he deals with lingering lower extremities injuries. The seventh-year pro has mostly functioned as a starter for the Nets, putting up numbers similar to a season ago. Ben Saraf should get the start again, as a result.