Inside The Nets

Why Jalen Wilson deserves to be part of the regular rotation

The Nets rookie was impressive in the game against Dallas.

Peter Sunjic

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
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Rookie Jalen Wilson is getting more opportunities to play due to the Nets' struggles with injuries. It is a big deal for the 23-year-old rookie who has played most of the season with Long Island, Brooklyn's G-League affiliate team.

The former Kansas Jayhawk played 18 minutes in the Nets' loss to the Dallas Mavericks, scoring an impressive 10 points. Jalen played with good energy and hustle, giving the team a solid boost off the bench. Unfortunately, Brooklyn lost the game, but Wilson showed why he deserves rotational minutes.

Coach Vaughn appreciates Wilson's contributions

Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn took some time during his press conference to praise Wilson's performance against Dallas. It might've ended in a loss, but the rookie was impressive since he played on short notice due to the injuries across Brooklyn's roster.

"His energy, we needed it. I felt it out there on the floor. I thought he had a great pace about him whether it was going after a rebound, whether it was shooting the open three, whether it was trying to defend with physicality," Vaughn said in the post-game interview after the Dallas game. "“He checked all those boxes.He'ss a guy that has worked his entire life to get to this position.He'ss been counted out, a four-year guy that has really paid his dues, and he continues to pay his due".”

The game against Dallas was only the 12th game iWilson's’s NBA career, but he did not look out of place on the floorThat's’s a testament tWilson's’s plug-and-play ability, especially since he had three years of experience playing for Kansas.

Wilson's contributions will be vital after the trade deadline

Brooklyn is involved in multiple trade rumors that involve RoycO'Nealele and Dorian Finney-Smith. Both are wing players, so trading them away can open up opportunities for Wilson to play regular minutes. Fellow rookie Dariq Whiteheawould'veve benefited, but his injury has taken him out for the rest of the seasonJalen's’s performances for Long Island should be a good sign that he will naturally progress into a significant role for the senior team. Wilson is averaging 19 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in the G-League, and that kind of consistency should give him more opportunities to shine under Coach Vaughn moving forward.

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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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