As the Brooklyn Nets wrap up their preseason, the spotlight turns to their trio of rookie point guards, whose roles remain uncertain as the regular season approaches.

Decisions are still pending regarding the opening night starter against the Charlotte Hornets, who will occupy the backup position, and which player will have to patiently await their opportunity.

Head Coach Jordi Fernández has chosen not to disclose the pecking order for Egor Dëmin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf following Sunday’s practice. According to Fernández, the lineup is fluid and may vary from game to game, emphasizing that nothing is definitive.

“I’m very pleased with all three of them,” Fernández commented. “Each has had their moments during the preseason, showcasing their strengths while also identifying areas for improvement.”

Fernández emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, stating, “If they make the most of their minutes, they’ll find a way to thrive in their roles, whether as starters or backups. Should someone struggle to meet our expectations, it opens the door for another, fostering a healthy competition where they push each other, gain experience, and develop.”

In the team’s four exhibition games, Saraf and Traore started twice apiece. But that was partly due to Dëmin, the highest pick of the three, only being available for the final contest due to a plantar fascia tear dating back to the spring.

Saraf averaged 6.3 points and 5.5 assists in 20.3 minutes, while Traore produced 4.5 points and 1.8 assists in 14.7 minutes. Both players struggled with turnovers, combining for 5.5 per game in the preseason.

The 6-foot-8 Dëmin was impressive in his debut, producing 14 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench with two turnovers.

“He did a great job. He looked composed. He helped us,” Fernández said. “It’s good that you see the ball go in, but basketball is not just about seeing the ball go in. He made the simple play. We didn’t turn it over as much [with him]. He got his teammates involved, and he had very good positional defensive possessions, where he was the low man, he went vertical, he protected the rim. Those things are very good to see at this point, but we’re going to ask him to keep getting better because we believe the sky is the limit for him and for the other two point guards, as well. Very exciting going into his first game.”

The three rookies all know one another from their time in the EuroLeague, and while they are battling one another for minutes, the three are all going through the same process together.

“I think everybody is trying to get better and everybody is trying to help everybody to get better,” Dëmin, the eighth pick in this year’s draft, said. “I think that’s where we’re going to be successful this year. Every practice, there’s going to be competition. It’s not about just me, Nolan and Ben. It’s about everything. As soon as we step off the court, we’re best friends. I think that’s how it should be.”