Brooklyn Nets Rookies: Tough Love, Tougher Reps

0:00It's March 5th for the NBA. Let's get into it. Follow and subscribe for more team news every day. The Brooklyn Nets are in a unique spot this season, with five first round rookie picks all seeing major minutes right away. Unlike most teams, these young players have no choice but to contribute immediately on a rebuilding squad. While the results have not been pretty amid a string of losses, the real game experience is helping them grow through trial and error. Like Nolan Treyore, have shown real progress after short stints in the G-League, returning with better ball control and decision making. Veteran's center, Nick Clackston, sees it differently from his own rookie days. He points out that his path was much smoother, with plenty of time to develop without the intense pressure these newcomers face. Back then, Clackston had stars like Jared Allen, DeAndre Jordan, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden blocking his path, so he could ease in. Via the G-League. Today's rookies lack that buffer and must handle top NBA defenses from day one.

1:04Coach Jordi Fernandez stresses that inexperience is no excuse, even if the learning curve is steep. Still, the long-term payoff from these tough reps could set the nets up well down the road. DeAndre is brought to you by our sponsor. A pillow that plays your podcast, music, or white noise privately. No ear buds required.