Rookies Dariq Whitehead and Noah Clowney got their NBA debuts during the Nets’ 112-97 win over the Heat on Saturday. Both teens checked in with 2:35 left in the fourth to a loud ovation.
“Just really that opportunity was about to come for the first time. I didn’t expect it if I’m being honest,” Whitehead said. “Just coming in they told me to be ready, so before the game is when I really kind of got in that right mindset of this just might be your first NBA game. So going to the table it was a surreal moment, but it was definitely one of the best to ever happen.”
A Newark native, Whitehead had family present.
After foot surgery hindered his lone season at Duke, another operation kept him from playing Las Vegas Summer League or taking part in training camp. Now finally healthy (other than minor shin splints), the second-youngest Net to ever suit up is just relishing the opportunity ahead of him.
“It means everything honestly. I feel like a healthy Dariq Whitehead can be very special,” said Whitehead, who recorded his first NBA point on a free throw. “So just knowing that if I get my feet under me, get everything right in terms of the other problems that come with it — shin splints, and stuff like that — then I think I’ll be 100 percent fine, ready to go. I’ve definitely been feeling great. The foot is no longer a problem, its more so the other things when you’re sitting out for seven months — just being able to get over shin splints, calf pains and stuff like that. So I’m kind of overcoming that progression right now.”
Derrick Favors (19 years, 104 days) is the youngest Net ever, just ahead of Whitehead at 19 years, 116 days and Clowney (19 years, 134 days).
Clowney was taken at No. 21 in the draft, with Whitehead selected at No. 22.
“That [ovation was] great. Because you know after Summer League, I don’t think they was really rocking with me,” Clowney said. “But now? Yeah, that was great. That was great, actually. Great reactions. I was really happy.”
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