As the Brooklyn Nets gear up for a busy offseason focused on rebuilding, the spotlight is on their young talent. One player making a strong case to be a key part of the future is Dariq Whitehead. In a recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans, he scored 14 points off the bench, including four straight 3-pointers in the second quarter, helping the Nets secure a 119-114 victory.
Whitehead, a 20-year-old forward from Duke, was selected as the 22nd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. His early career has been challenging, marred by injuries that limited his playtime. He suffered a stress reaction in his left shin that led to season-ending surgery during his rookie year. He also faced foot surgeries before and after his time at Duke, which has kept him off the court for significant stretches.
This season, Whitehead has played in just 17 NBA games and 21 G-League games. However, he feels he is close to returning to his pre-injury form. After the recent win, he expressed optimism, stating he feels about 90% back to his freshman year self at Duke. He mentioned that he is finally regaining trust in his body and is able to perform movements he hasn’t done in two years.
To reach this point, Whitehead has been working hard to get in shape while training in Long Island. He focused on fundamental skills, improving his ball-handling, and learning how to drive past defenders—skills he felt he couldn’t utilize when he first joined the Nets.
Despite limited playing time, Whitehead’s shooting has been impressive. He has made 44% of his 3-point attempts in the NBA and 37% in the G-League. He credits his coach, Jordi Fernández, for encouraging a high-volume shooting approach, which has helped him feel more confident in taking good shots.
In the game against the Pelicans, Whitehead not only excelled in shooting but also contributed with two assists and two steals. His coach praised him for his hard work and ability to trust in the practice he puts in.
As the Nets look for foundational players to build around for the next season, Whitehead knows he has to continue pushing himself. He understands the importance of this summer for his development, especially after facing setbacks due to injuries. He is determined to regain his athleticism and improve his skills during the offseason.
Whitehead’s journey has taught him to appreciate his opportunities in the NBA. He recognizes that things can change quickly and is grateful to be in a position to compete. He aims to make the most of his chance to solidify his place on the Nets as they look to rebuild for a better future.