With the 26th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets made a decisive move by selecting Ben Saraf, the talented Israeli-Serbian guard from Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany. It was a selection that didn’t necessarily shake up the headlines or dominate post-draft panels, but for those following international basketball closely, it was a move that made perfect sense. Ben Saraf is not just a promising scorer—he’s a highly skilled, battle-tested guard with a mature game, deep offensive bag, and unwavering self-belief. At only 19 years old, he’s already played professionally for several seasons in Europe and carries himself like a seasoned veteran.
The Brooklyn Nets, a team entering a new phase of its rebuild, found in Saraf a player who fits their evolving identity. With the superstar era behind them, the Nets are now focused on long-term development, acquiring high-IQ, high-upside talent that can grow into foundational pieces. Saraf isn’t a conventional pick—he didn’t come through the NCAA system or play for a powerhouse club in Spain or France—but he has quietly developed into one of the most intriguing scoring guards in Europe. His blend of craft, poise, and shot-making gives Brooklyn a player who can become a sparkplug scorer and potentially more.
Standing at 6-foot-5 with solid length and smooth mechanics, Saraf thrives as a combo guard. He has the handle and vision to run offense in spurts and the scoring touch to play off the ball as a shooting threat. With Ratiopharm Ulm, he averaged 13.7 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game in both the German Bundesliga and the EuroCup—strong numbers for a teenager facing grown men in some of Europe’s toughest leagues. More impressive than the stats were the moments: clutch shots, fearless drives, step-back threes, and sequences that showed a level of composure rarely seen in players his age.
Saraf’s offensive game is where he shines brightest. He’s an elite shot creator who uses hesitations, crossovers, and change-of-pace moves to generate space. He plays with a natural rhythm, never rushed, always in control. His step-back jumper is NBA-ready, and he has an innate understanding of angles, knowing when to pull up, float, or attack the rim. Saraf’s touch around the basket is advanced—he finishes with either hand, uses the glass effectively, and can contort his body mid-air to avoid contact or draw fouls. He’s a natural-born scorer who sees the game at a cerebral level.
While Saraf isn’t the most explosive athlete, he compensates with craft and anticipation. He doesn’t rely on straight-line speed or verticality; instead, he manipulates defenders with deception and timing. His footwork is clean, and his handle allows him to get to his spots even against quicker opponents. On top of that, his passing has improved steadily. While not a pure point guard, Saraf is a willing facilitator who can make the right reads in pick-and-roll sets, kick to shooters on drives, and find cutters with precision. He’s unselfish, and that will fit well within a Brooklyn system that emphasizes ball movement and unselfish play.
The Nets have a roster full of young, developing talent: Cam Thomas, Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead, and now Ben Saraf join a group poised to grow together over the next few seasons. What Saraf brings to that mix is scoring stability and floor spacing. Brooklyn has lacked consistent creation in the half court, particularly when defenses clamp down in crunch time. Saraf can fill that void with his ability to get a bucket when it matters. He’s not afraid of big moments, having hit several game-winners and crunch-time shots in Europe. That killer instinct, combined with his natural scoring gifts, gives Brooklyn a valuable late-round steal.
Defensively, Saraf is a work in progress, but he’s far from a liability. He has good positional size and a high motor, and while he’s not yet an elite stopper, he shows a willingness to compete on that end. He slides well laterally, stays engaged, and understands team concepts. With NBA strength training and a structured defensive system, Saraf can evolve into a solid team defender who holds his own in most matchups. For the Nets, who have struggled defensively at times, his effort level and feel offer hope that he can become reliable on both ends.
Another factor that makes this pick valuable is Saraf’s experience in high-pressure environments. Having played in both the Israeli league and Germany’s top-tier competitions, he’s used to being the primary offensive option against physical, veteran opponents. That experience will help him adapt faster to the NBA than a typical 19-year-old rookie. He’s not just a project—he’s already a professional. His demeanor reflects that. He talks like a leader, prepares like a pro, and approaches the game with seriousness and humility. That type of mindset will serve him well in Brooklyn’s developmental framework.
There’s also the added benefit of marketability and international appeal. Saraf is well known in Israel and Serbia, and his story—of a multicultural basketball upbringing, dedication to his craft, and steady rise from youth leagues to Europe’s pro ranks—resonates with fans worldwide. For the Nets, that global reach aligns with their brand ambitions and adds another layer of value to his presence. But ultimately, Saraf’s worth will be measured on the court. And on the court, he has all the tools to become a reliable contributor and maybe even more.
Comparisons for Saraf range from crafty scoring guards like Jordan Clarkson to more polished creators like Manu Ginóbili, although the latter is a lofty ceiling. What’s more realistic is a player who can average 14 to 17 points per game at his peak, hit clutch shots, run offense in spurts, and hold his own defensively. If his development continues on this trajectory, Saraf could be one of the biggest value picks of the 2025 draft. And with Brooklyn in the early stages of building a sustainable core, there’s ample room and time for him to develop at his own pace.
The Nets’ coaching staff will be tasked with giving Saraf structure without stifling his creativity. He thrives when given freedom to make reads and improvise, but he’ll also need to master the subtleties of NBA spacing, defensive rotations, and physicality. Fortunately, Brooklyn has invested in development infrastructure and will likely surround Saraf with mentors and veterans to help him adjust. If he takes to that environment—which by all accounts he will—his learning curve could be shorter than expected.
Saraf’s arrival also creates healthy competition in the Nets’ backcourt. Players like Cam Thomas, Dennis Schröder, and Jalen Wilson will all be battling for minutes, and Saraf’s presence will push everyone to be sharper. That internal competition is vital for a young team finding its identity. It raises the standard. It brings urgency. And it ensures that minutes are earned, not given.
As training camp approaches, Saraf will have every chance to make an impression. While it’s unlikely he starts from day one, he could carve out a bench role early, especially if he shows comfort operating in the second unit. His ability to change tempo, stretch the floor, and generate offense will be invaluable on nights when the starters need support. Over time, as he gains strength and adjusts to NBA length and athleticism, his role could expand. By year two or three, he may be a major part of Brooklyn’s offensive engine.
The Nets didn’t just draft a player—they invested in a vision. A vision of smart basketball, international scouting success, and a future built on skill, toughness, and belief. Ben Saraf embodies that vision. He’s not the loudest name in the class, but he might be one of the most impactful. He brings artistry to the court, resilience to the locker room, and excitement to a fanbase eager for the next great chapter.
In the end, whether Saraf becomes a star, a starter, or a scoring sixth man, the pick was about potential, fit, and philosophy. Brooklyn didn’t just take a flier—they bet on intelligence, instinct, and the kind of competitive fire that turns late-round picks into franchise pillars. Ben Saraf has already proven he can play at a high level. Now, he gets to do it on the biggest stage in basketball, under the lights of Barclays Center, with the city watching and the league taking notice.
