Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Saraf finished his debut NBA season by averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds across 44 appearances and 11 starts, according to The Jerusalem Post and UA.News. The 20-year-old guard, selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, shot 39.6 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line during his rookie campaign while navigating a development path that included time in the G League.
Rookie Development and Late-Season Surge with the Brooklyn Nets
Saraf logged 20.8 minutes per game during his first professional season in the United States. According to UA.News and The Jerusalem Post, the guard used a late-season stretch to showcase his playmaking capabilities after spending part of the year in the G League. Over Brooklyn’s final four games, Saraf averaged 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while playing more than 32 minutes per contest. This strong close included consecutive 19-point performances against Milwaukee and Indiana.
Reflecting on his transition, Saraf noted that the game has slowed down for him through Summer League workouts and team practices. “You have to get used to the pace and understand better what’s expected of you,” Saraf told The Jerusalem Post. He shot 21.1 percent from beyond the arc as a rookie and spent the offseason prioritizing outside shooting, physical strength, and body maintenance.
Did you know? Ben Saraf is part of a growing contingent of Israeli basketball players in the NBA, joining Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija and Nets teammate Danny Wolf on American hardwood.
Goals for the Sophomore Season and Team Success
Looking ahead to his second year, Saraf outlined clear objectives focused on team wins and earning trust. According to UA.News, the guard aims to secure a consistent rotation spot by contributing directly to victories. “Whoever helps the team win is going to play,” Saraf said to The Jerusalem Post. He also identified reaching the postseason as a primary objective for the Brooklyn roster.
Saraf’s journey to the NBA included stops in Netanya, Kiryat Ata, and Ulm before reaching the league via the 2025 Draft. His integration into New York has involved connecting with the local Jewish community through Friday night dinners, visits to Chabad houses, and an appearance at a Cleveland Jewish school.
Commitment to the Israeli National Team
International competition remains a priority for the young guard. Although professional commitments with the Brooklyn Nets kept him out of recent World Cup qualifying windows, Saraf emphasized his enthusiasm for representing Israel alongside Avdija in blue and white. He also expressed optimism regarding the country’s youth national teams and their talent pipeline.
During a recent homecoming event in Rishon LeZion hosted by sports analyst Pini Barel and Foot Locker at Cinema City, Saraf greeted hundreds of fans. He highlighted a game earlier in the season featuring three Israeli players on the same floor as one of his most emotional professional memories, calling the experience “so much bigger than basketball” according to The Jerusalem Post.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Ben Saraf’s rookie stats with the Brooklyn Nets?
According to The Jerusalem Post and UA.News, Saraf averaged 7.5 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game across 44 appearances and 11 starts.
Where did Ben Saraf play before joining the NBA?
Before being drafted by the Brooklyn Nets in 2025, Saraf played for teams in Netanya, Kiryat Ata and Ulm.
What are Ben Saraf’s main focus areas for improvement?
Saraf has focused on raising his three-point shooting percentage—which sat at 21.1 percent during his rookie year—alongside adding physical strength and improving game preparation.
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