As the Nets near the end of the season, their priority in the last three games will be evaluating which players might be a part of their future. As Bridget Reilly of the New York Post writes, 2023 first-round forward Dariq Whitehead is hoping to prove he should stick around with the franchise for the long run.
Still just 20 years old, Whitehead has been limited to just 19 NBA games in his first two seasons after dealing with several injuries, including a stress reaction on his leg that ended his rookie year. The Duke product said he feels he’s almost back to 100% health.
“I feel it coming,” Whitehead said. “I will say it’s night and day from just trusting my body and stuff. Doing things I haven’t done in two years, which is amazing for me and I’m sure it’s amazing for the coaches and staff to see.”
In 17 games this year, Whitehead is averaging 6.2 points while shooting 44.8% on 3.9 three-point attempts per game. Over 75% of his shots have come from beyond the arc.
“This is going to be an important summer for me,” Whitehead said. “Since I’ve been hurt, I haven’t been able to just work on those things, which is getting my athleticism back and just doing certain movements. Just me attacking this summer is going to be really important for me.”
We have more from the Atlantic Division:
- Celtics star Jaylen Brown is out for the team’s Friday game against the Hornets, according to The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn (Twitter link). As Washburn notes, that means Brown won’t reach the 65-game threshold necessary to be eligible for postseason awards.
- Chris Boucher has been a long-term fixture of the Raptors, making the team out of training camp in 2018/19 and becoming part of that season’s championship roster. As Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca writes, there is mutual interest in another contract between Boucher and the Raptors as he hits unrestricted free agency this summer. The big man has had a strong season, averaging 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game, though his role has fluctuated. “Obviously it’s not ideal, but it’s the business. I know how things go by now,” Boucher said of his minutes. “I’m trying to stay positive with how my life is and see the positive stuff, and I think I had a great year, too. I think that helps, knowing that I’m growing and being the player and the person that I want to be, so I take those wins. The season went by pretty quick, so I’ll enjoy the last few games and see what happens.”
- The Knicks are showing a willingness to rest players in the last part of the season, Howie Kussoy of the New York Post writes. If New York wins on Thursday or Indiana loses, the Knicks will clinch the third seed. OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson will sit out of Thursday’s contest. New York’s playoff roster last season was depleted by injuries, so the team appears to be doing what it can do avoid history repeating itself.
JB’s play puts him out of eligibility for awards not the lack of games!
Oh, what a great zinger.
Nets are totally gunna trade Whitehead for Buddy Hield this offseason, lmao
huh?
It’s a joke, son. Nets FO stinks.
Lmao…another hi jacked thread, who would of thought. Who else are Warriors getting.
Actions speak louder than words. Not sure what reporter Michael Grange is saying aligns with what has actually been happening. Chris Boucher has been DNP’d game after game over the last month. Passed over by Coach Rajakovic for a number of 10 day contract guys, who have been given ample playing time. And he looks less than happy about it sitting on the end of the bench.
Hard to believe he’d want to come back, unless no other offers are on the table.
He actually played pretty well when he was on the court. He’s always been a streaky shooter who runs hot and cold.
He’s a competitor who tries to win.Raptors wanted losses so they don’t play Boucher
Whitehead is a young talent. Unfortunately he has learned early in life. You get paid to heal. The same as you get paid to play.
I like Boucher. Thought Knicks would go after him at TD. Solid bench guy with size. At 32 no one is paying him 10 mill. His contract is up, I believe.
Finally Thibs rests his players. And they lose. Go figure. Cade has arrived man. Pistons should go after CJ. A solid vet scorer. Who fits well next to him. Save him from NO. Should come cheap.