The Brooklyn Nets suffered their second consecutive defeat in the Summer League, losing to the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening. In a surprising strategy, head coach Stevel Hetzel altered the starting lineup by sidelining Nolan Traore, the Nets’ No. 19 draft pick who had shown promise in his debut, and inserting rookie point guard Egor Demin, a recent two-way contract signee, to fill the void.

Revised Starting Lineup Raises Questions

Alongside veteran Danny Wolf and rising star Drew Timme, the Nets introduced undrafted free agent T.J. Bamba as part of the starting five, notably with Tosan Evbuomwan unavailable due to injury. This unconventional approach aimed to shake up the team’s dynamics but failed to alter their fortunes against the Wizards.

Drew Timme Shines Bright with Career-High Scoring Game

Former Gonzaga standout Drew Timme once again emerged as Brooklyn’s offensive leader, building on his previous 22-point output against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Timme tallied an impressive 30 points, adding five rebounds and three assists while showcasing his ability to match up with Washington’s promising second-year center. His highlight moment came with a powerful dunk over Wizards center Bilal Coulibaly, generating widespread attention across social media platforms as a sign of his growing highlight-reel potential.

Balanced Contribution Powers Wizards to Victory

The Wizards displayed a cohesive team effort, spearheaded by sixth overall draft pick Tre Johnson, who scored 21 points. Every starter contributed effectively, with Kyshawn George standing out by recording 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and five steals, bolstering Washington’s well-rounded attack.

Looking Ahead: Nets’ Challenge to Rebound

As the Nets prepare for their upcoming match against the New York Knicks, uncertainty remains regarding Nolan Traore’s return to the starting lineup. Brooklyn’s capacity to adapt and rebound from this challenging start will be essential as they pursue success throughout the Summer League season.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is Drew Timme’s salary?

A. Drew Timme agreed to a two-year contract worth $2,068,432 with the Brooklyn Nets. The deal includes a guaranteed $113,055.

On average, he will earn $1,034,216 each year. During the 2025-26 season, Timme’s base salary will be $1,955,377, which will also be his cap hit for that year.