Ben Saraf Focuses on Shooting Improvement for Second NBA Season
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli guard Ben Saraf has focused on improving his shooting and physical strength during the offseason with the Brooklyn Nets. His personal coach highlighted shooting as the key to unlocking his potential, noting significant gains in muscle mass and a better understanding of the NBA game. Saraf aims to improve on his rookie season averages and compete for a more significant role on the team.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ben Saraf's shooting and physical conditioning were primary focuses of his summer training with the Brooklyn Nets.
- His personal coach, Oded Brandwein, believes improved shooting will be the biggest difference-maker for Saraf.
- Saraf showed significant physical gains and a better understanding of the NBA game in his offseason work.
- As a rookie, Saraf struggled with three-point shooting, making only 21.1% of his attempts.
- His agent stated the Nets consider Saraf their best on-ball defender and are pleased with his progress.
Israeli guard Ben Saraf has made significant strides in his shooting and physical conditioning over the summer, aiming to make a substantial impact in his second NBA season with the Brooklyn Nets. His personal coach, Oded Brandwein, highlighted shooting as a primary focus during their summer training sessions, emphasizing that improvement in this area will unlock other aspects of Saraf's game.
Brandwein noted Saraf's impressive physical transformation, with a notable increase in muscle mass, making him appear much stronger. This past offseason was Saraf's first extended period dedicated solely to personal development in the NBA, following a lengthy season in Germany the previous year. As a rookie, Saraf averaged 7.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 20.8 minutes per game, shooting 39.6% from the field and a low 21.1% from three-point range, though he maintained an 83.0% free-throw percentage.
During the final month of his rookie season, Saraf's averages surged to 12.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, placing him among the top five scorers in the league alongside notable players like Deni Avdija and Jaylen Brown. Brandwein believes Saraf's improved shooting, coupled with his mental toughness and growing understanding of the NBA game, will lead to a significantly better second season.
Saraf is expected to compete for the backup point guard role against Nolan Traoré, with Michael Brown Jr. and Yegor Demin also in contention. Brandwein stressed that faster and smoother shooting mechanics are key, stating that consistent practice and seeing the ball go in will boost Saraf's confidence, transforming his game. Saraf's agent, Nadav Mor, confirmed that the Nets emphasized shooting, finishing with both feet, and physicality, noting positive feedback from the team and Saraf's increased confidence.
Mor also mentioned that the Nets consider Saraf their best on-ball defender, and while he needs to improve offensively and in team defense, his trajectory is positive. Saraf is reportedly working closely with coach Jordi Fernandez and his staff, and footage from training camp shows him gaining confidence through dunks and impressive passes.
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