Former first-round choose Dariq Whitehead has appeared in 5 straight video games getting into Sunday’s matchup towards the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Heart, the longest streak of his younger profession.
The 20-year-old guard had certainly one of his greatest all-around performances in Thursday’s 105-90 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending with 17 factors, three rebounds, one assists and no turnovers in 26 minutes. He went 5-for-9 from 3-point vary, his second sport with not less than 5 made 3s this season.
Whitehead doesn’t lack confidence from behind the arc. Whereas he’s appeared in simply 15 video games this season, he’s tried 52 complete 3s, is averaging 12.2 3-point makes an attempt per 36 minutes, and is capturing that shot at a 44.2% clip.
“You hear your teammates, and you have coaches who [tell you to] go out there and shoot 10 3s,” Whitehead mentioned. “For me, it’s not just shooting 10 3s. I want to go out there and take shots I know I can make. So, I’m just being confident, knowing your coaches and teammates are confident in you to take those shots.”
Whitehead appeared in simply two video games as a rookie. He’s spent loads of time on Lengthy Island this season as effectively. However head coach Jordi Fernandez has given him ample alternative down the stretch, and he continues to take advantage of it.
That’s the way you show you belong. That’s how you determine belief.
“I’ve been out [of college] for two years,” Whitehead mentioned. “At this point, it’s a reality check with myself. I know I’m not going to come back [in] four or five months and just gain coach’s trust. I have to continue to show that I’m working on my body, taking care of my body, doing the right things outside of basketball, so he’s comfortable with putting me in there and knowing that I’m not having any setbacks or anything.”
Whitehead’s contributions on the different finish of the courtroom can’t be missed, both. His defensive score of 111.3 is the very best on the staff amongst gamers who’ve appeared within the final 5 video games.
The Nets picked up Whitehead’s membership choice for 2025-26 and he’ll earn $3.2 million within the third 12 months of his rookie-scale deal. He doesn’t flip 21 till Aug. 1. Whereas his NBA profession has gotten off to a sluggish begin, there’s an opportunity that his greatest basketball continues to be forward of him.
“Offensively, I’m going to make shots,” Whitehead mentioned. “For me, it’s just doing the right thing. Earning coach’s trust, being in the right spots on defense, doing the right things, and from there, I know that everything else will take care of itself.”
