In an interview with Russia’s Sport-Express, Sergey Karasev’s father Vasily said his son is frustrated with his lack of playing time and wants the opportunity to play more and develop.
Here’s the interview, if Russian is your language, and here’s a translation provided by NetsDaily:
Vasily Karasev said he and his son speak regularly and that Sergey is frustrated by his lack of playing time.
“We constantly call up and communicate with our son,” said Vasily. “The whole family we support him as much we can.”
He admitted the 21-year-old Net isn’t where he wants to be in his career. “One season in the NBA has already passed on the bench, and now, that Sergey is 21 years, it’s imperative that he play, not sit,” Vasily said. “He understands this and is frustrated. He is not interested in salary. He just wants to get on the court, to grow and develop. As I understand it, the coach of Brooklyn, Lionel Hollins, does not see him in the lineup, so it’s difficult for Sergey to influence the situation. He needs to be patient.”
When the Nets helped facilitate the deal that returned LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers by taking Jarrett Jack’s salary off their books, they asked for Karasev, who ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla once called a top 5-to-7 draft talent, as a bonus prize in the deal.
Karasev is viewed as a long-term prospect, and has been listed as inactive in a few games already this season. He’s played just 17 minutes, mostly in garbage time, over five of the team’s 14 games, missing both of his field goal attempts. It would be nice to see Karasev develop, but with the Nets struggling even to get back to .500 in the first 14 games, Hollins isn’t taking many chances with youth over experience.
The Nets could consider sending Karasev to the D-League, whose season tips off today, to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, who are affiliated with 13 NBA teams. The Mad Ants currently have two NBA assignments, two below the maximum for them. If they don’t assign him before two other players get assigned, they’ll have less control over where he goes, which could dissuade the Nets from assigning him.
