Ben Saraf's Shooting Improvement Key to NBA Impact
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
Israeli basketball player Ben Saraf has significantly improved his physical strength and shooting mechanics during his first full NBA offseason, according to his personal coach and agent. Saraf, who struggled with three-point shooting in his rookie year, is focusing on a quicker release and increased consistency. The Brooklyn Nets player is expected to compete for a backup point guard role, with coaches noting his defensive prowess and growing confidence as he prepares for his second NBA season.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ben Saraf has significantly improved his physical strength and shooting mechanics during his first full NBA offseason.
- His personal coach, Oded Brandwein, believes improved shooting will be the key differentiator for Saraf's second NBA season.
- Saraf averaged 7.5 points and shot 21.1% from three-point range in his rookie season with the Brooklyn Nets.
- The Israeli player is expected to compete for the backup point guard position.
- Saraf's agent confirmed the Nets emphasized shooting, finishing, and physicality for the offseason.
- The Nets reportedly consider Saraf their best on-ball defender.
Israeli basketball player Ben Saraf is set to begin his preseason with the Brooklyn Nets, with a significant focus on improving his shooting accuracy. Saraf's personal coach, Oded Brandwein, highlighted that Saraf has gained muscle mass and appears much stronger, attributing this to his first full NBA offseason since his rookie year. After a challenging rookie season where Saraf averaged 7.5 points and shot 21.1% from three-point range, his coach believes enhanced shooting will be the primary differentiator for his second year.
Brandwein noted Saraf's increased maturity and understanding of the NBA game, stating that his adaptation to New York and the Nets has been smoother. The coach emphasized that Saraf's shooting mechanics, specifically a quicker and more fluid release, were the main areas of work during the offseason. Saraf's agent, Nadav Mor, confirmed that Saraf worked on various aspects of his game, including driving, finishing, and shooting, with a particular emphasis on shooting, two-footed finishes, and physicality as per the Nets' directives.
Saraf is expected to compete for the backup point guard role against Nolan Traore, with rookie Michael Brown Jr. likely starting. Despite ranking last among players with at least two three-point attempts per game last season, Saraf showed promise in his free-throw shooting at 83.0%. Brandwein expressed strong confidence in Saraf's potential for a long and successful NBA career, citing his mental toughness and the positive feedback from the team, who reportedly consider him the best on-ball defender.
Mor added that Saraf has been working closely with coaches, including Jordi Fernandez, and has shown increased confidence, evidenced by impressive plays in training camp. The agent stressed that Saraf is prepared and feels good about his second year in the NBA, acknowledging the competition within the team.
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