The Brooklyn Nets are in a tough spot, and it’s not just about their win-loss record. Their bench lineup has become a glaring weakness, and it’s costing them dearly as they navigate the early stages of their rebuild. While the starting five have shown promise, the second unit is struggling to keep up, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: is the lack of veteran leadership the real issue, or is it something deeper? Let’s dive in.
NBA legend David Robinson once pointed out, ‘Many teams overlook the value of having a seasoned voice in the locker room or on the bench. Those players who’ve been through the battles before—they’re invaluable.’ For the Nets, this wisdom hits hard. Their current bench lacks the experience needed to stabilize games, and the numbers don’t lie. After a 125-109 loss on Monday, the Nets dropped to 0-7, with only one bench player scoring in double figures—a trend that’s become all too familiar this season.
Here’s the part most people miss: while the Nets’ bench ranks 13th in the league for points per game, this statistic is misleading. Unlike most teams that stick to a 10-man rotation, Brooklyn has frequently gone deeper into their bench, playing more minutes and naturally accumulating more points. But more minutes haven’t translated to better performance. The bench unit leads the league in turnovers, averaging a staggering 7.8 per game. Players like Egor Demin, Ben Saraf, and backup center Day’Ron Sharpe (who averages 2.3 turnovers per game) are struggling to find their footing, and it’s weighing the team down.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. One player has emerged as a surprising bright spot: Ziaire Williams. In five games off the bench, the 24-year-old has averaged 11.6 points per game, shooting an impressive 39.3% from three-point range. Williams, who started 45 games last season, has taken his game to new heights despite a reduced role in the offense. He’s not just hitting threes; he’s converting 70% of his two-point attempts, making a strong case for a starting spot sooner rather than later.
However, the Nets’ decision to start Tyrese Martin in the past two games has further thinned their bench scoring. Rookies and young players like Sharpe need to step up and deliver consistent performances if Brooklyn hopes to stay competitive during this rebuild. And this is where the debate heats up: Is the Nets’ bench issue a matter of experience, or is it a deeper systemic problem? Could a veteran presence turn things around, or is the team’s strategy flawed from the start? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
