Following their 108-103 win against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday evening, the Nets improved their record to 7-10. They are now in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Tonight, they face the Golden State Warriors who have a 12-4 record in the Western Conference. With the team plagued by injuries, it was announced today that the Nets recalled former first-round pick, Dariq Whitehead from their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.
Nets Recall Former First Round Pick
Dariq Whitehead was drafted by the Nets in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft at number 22. He was a McDonald’s All-American, National High School Player of the Year, and played for Duke under coach Jon Scheyer.
Last season, Whitehead played only two games for the Nets, averaging 1.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. This season, he has played only one game, averaging 0.0 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.0 assists. On the Nets’ G League affiliate team, Whitehead has played six games, averaging 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.
In January, Whitehead underwent surgery to treat a stress reaction in his left shin. In October, the Nets picked up his third-year team option for the 2025-26 season, worth $3.2 million.
Injuries Plaquing The Team
The decision to recall Whitehead comes as no surprise, given the team’s recent injuries and their three-game road trip out West. He is expected to provide the team with much-needed help in the backcourt.
Nets’ Coach Jordi Fernandez on Whitehead: “Dariq’s attitude has always been good, He works hard.”
Nets injured players include Ben Simmons, Dennis Schroder, and Dorian Finney-Smith. Center Nic Claxton rejoined the lineup against the Kings after missing games due to a back injury. However, he is not expected to play against the Golden State Warriors due to back soreness.
Whitehead’s Future With The Nets
The Nets are hoping for another win tonight. Although it will take time for the team to expect significant contributions from Whitehead, they expect him to play hard. The experience he is gaining in the G League is providing him with the development he needs. The team recalled the former first-round pick, hoping he would provide depth in the backcourt.
The Future
As mentioned before this season has been marked by injuries, rumors of players being traded, and questions about the organization’s future. Despite these challenges, the Nets are showing potential on the court and seem to be heading in a promising direction. Fans have praised the organization for securing enough future draft picks despite their losses.
The Nets’ cap space this upcoming summer stands at $49.5 million. If they decide to trade players away before the deadline, their cap space could increase to $110.7 million. This significant increase would put the Nets in a strong position to acquire talent across the league this summer, while also drafting future players in the first and second rounds of the upcoming draft.
If they draft wisely this upcoming draft and re-sign Cam Thomas this summer, the Nets could build a strong young team. This could make them one of the most impressive young teams in basketball.
