The Brooklyn Nets have made numerous roster moves to prepare for training camp ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Most players they signed in late September will likely spend time with the Long Island Nets, Brooklyn's NBA G League affiliate. Brooklyn made another developmental move on a center who played with Long Island during the 2023-24 season: ex-Marist star Patrick Gardner.
On Sep, 21, it was reported the Nets signed Gardner, and one day later, the team requested waivers to send him to Long Island, per ClutchPoints Nets Beat Reporter Erik Slater.
Patrick Gardner's senior season with the Marist Foxes helped him gain favor from NBA scouts. During the 2022-23 season, Gardner appeared in 33 games and averaged 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks. In addition, he shot a respectable .383 percent on his three-pointers. Gardner's efforts earned him a spot on the 2022-23 All-MAAC team and a 2023 All-MAAC Tournament honor.
After a strong college season, Gardner went undrafted in 2023. However, he got a G League opportunity with the Nets. In 10 appearances, Gardner averaged 6.4 points and 3.9 rebounds in 13 minutes per game. The 25-year-old hopes to improve and make an impact with Long Island during his second stint.
Nets' G League squad could see surge in talent
In addition to Patrick Gardner, the Nets signed several other players who could spend time with Long Island. CBA standout Yongxi "Jacky" Cui signed a two-way contract with the Nets, so Long Island will receive his services for some part of the 2024-25 season. In addition, Brooklyn added Killian Hayes and former second-round picks Tyrese Martin and Amari Bailey.
Martin played a prominent role with the G League's Iowa Wolves in 2023-24. The ex-2022 Golden State Warriors draft pick averaged 17.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.0 steals in 33 regular season games. Likewise, Bailey spent most of his time with the Greensborough Swarm in 2023-24, averaging 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 23 games.
Long Island has a reputation for helping players develop and gain larger roles. For example, former North Carolina standout and 2021 first-round Nets pick Day'ron Sharpe made promising strides with the team. He holds career G League averages of 17.1 points and 12.8 rebounds.
With the array of talent at Long Island's disposal, they should have a strong 2024-25 campaign. Who knows? Perhaps one of the team's contributors will find themselves eventually being a standout player in the NBA for Brooklyn.