Inside The Nets

Frank Isola discusses why Jalen Wilson has been impressive this season

The Nets had a solid 2023 Draft, but the second-round pick is playing unexpectedly well.

Peter Sunjic

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When the Nets selected Jalen Wilson out of Kansas with the 51st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, he would have a long path to becoming a reliable option for Brooklyn. The former Jayhawk has played most of the season in Long Island and earned rotational minutes for Brooklyn.

Wilson has become a solid piece for Coach Jacque Vaughn in the past few games. The 23-year-old plays the brand of energetic basketball JV loves. Jalen has also drawn praise from analysts like YES Network’s Frank Isola.

“Whenever they get drafted in the second round, they always have a bit of an edge to them. I think they take it a little bit like an insult. Jalen Brunson is another example, making the All-Star Game. I think Jalen Wilson has that as well,” Frank said on YES Network’s Pregame show. 

“He was an accomplished college player; he did really well. I think when you see him out there, he knows how to play. I think what Jacque Vaughn likes is he plays with a lot of energy; he’s always trying to make the right play.”

Wilson should get more minutes for the rest of the season

With the second half of the season coming up, Wilson has proven he deserves a spot in the rotation. He is an effective wing player because he does not need the ball to be effective. Jalen will work hard to make an impact through rebounding or playing energetic defense.

Wilson has worked his way to become a member of the rotation, and even if there are multiple players on the roster, Coach JV should give him a chance to crack the rotation and play for the Nets.

He fits in any Nets lineup as he can play alongside Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges, but he also does well with Dennis Smith Jr. and Lonnie Walker IV.

Wilson could be a long-term piece in Brooklyn

Jalen is only 23 years old, so he fits the timeline for Brooklyn's long-term future. Thomas is the team’s most promising player at only 22 years old, so having someone like Wilson to keep playing on the roster will go well in the long run.

While Wilson has not shown superstar potential like Thomas, the former Jayhawk will be a fantastic role player. Isola’s assessment shows he has a role no matter what happens since energetic wing players can have long NBA careers.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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