The Brooklyn Nets selected two European forwards in the June NBA Draft. Are Dzanan Musa or Rodions Kurucs ready to contribute in Brooklyn or will they need G League time?
Both of the Brooklyn Nets draft picks, second-rounder Rodions Kurucs and first-round pick Dzanan Musa, said on Media Day (per NetsDaily) they ready and willing to play in the G League if need be.
Musa is the second-youngest Net ever at only 19 years old. Kurucs, is only 15 months ahead of Musa at 20 years old. Both players are looking to prove themselves in training camp to stay in Brooklyn, but neither are against developing in the G League.
Kurucs, who has far less experience than Musa overseas, said:
"“I am not against it. I am for it. I know it will be a great, great thing. It will be a chance to prove, to try new things I learn in practice, and work.”"
The chances that Kurucs plays in Long Island are high, so the fact that he is open to the Nets’ develop-first mentality will pay off in the long run. But Kurucs isn’t ready to give up on going straight for the NBA just yet.
"“But who knows, maybe I will show something. I’ll be like a surprise.”"
The Nets are ready to work on Kurucs’ overall game and he is ready to work on getting NBA-ready, however long that might take.
On the other hand, Musa was counted on last season in Europe as a scorer, playing 75 games for Croatian club Cedevita. Musa knows his ability as a scorer and after putting on 15 pounds this offseason, the Bosnian is ready to play in the big leagues.
"“I’m just waiting for the chance because I know that when i get the chance, I know I will prove that I can play in the NBA. I think that now, but of course, I have to develop. When I get that first chance, I will assure everybody that I can play.”"
Musa knows wholeheartedly that he wants the green light and the ability to prove himself as a cornerstone of the Nets’ future.
As the G League opener approaches on Nov. 3, Musa, Kurucs and the undrafted rookie Theo Pinson will most likely start the season with the Long Island Nets. The understanding both Kurucs and Musa have of the Nets’ develop-first culture truly will pay off.
The rookies know their opportunity will come in Brooklyn.
With training camp over and the preseason ready to begin Wednesday night –with the regular season on the horizon — keep a close eye on Musa and Kurucs to see when they will be making the transition from Long Island to Brooklyn.