With the 2025–2026 G League season approaching, expect the Long Island Nets’ veteran presence and coaching staff to play a significant role in developing Brooklyn’s young talent.
The assignments from Brooklyn
have already begun, with first-round picks Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, and Danny Wolf being sent to Long Island on Thursday.
As the Nets’ rookies continue to adjust to the speed and intricacies of the professional level, expect more experienced players like 24-year-old point guard Yuri Collins to aid their transition and help the team’s younger players find comfort offensively.
During the 2024–2025 G League season, Collins led the league with 10.8 assists per game, following a dynamic college career in which he led all NCAA Division I players in assists during his final two seasons at Saint Louis University. While playing for the Phoenix Suns’ Summer League squad back in July, the 6’0” playmaker ranked among the league’s top ten passers (minimum of four games).
During a productive season with the Santa Cruz Warriors last year, Collins earned a ten-day contract from their NBA affiliate, the Golden State Warriors, appearing in two games.
At Long Island’s Media Day, the floor general said he expects the Nets’ rookies to grow more comfortable offensively through his ability to set up teammates in positions to succeed.
“I just kind of give everybody confidence on the court. People know to stay ready when they give me the ball, because it’s coming back to them,” Collins said. “A lot of guys like to play with point guards that are unselfish. That’s been my identity for a long time, and it’s something that has got me this far.”
Leading the NCAA in assists could be dismissed as the result of an advantageous system, but Collins’ continued prowess as a ball-handler shows that his high assist totals are no fluke.
Now entering his third G League season, Collins has embraced a downhill, pedal-to-the-metal play style that allows him to capitalize on his speed and split-second decision-making to find open teammates.
When asked what drives his success as a facilitator, he explained that it’s a combination of preparation and natural ability.
“It’s something that I can do with my eyes closed. I watch a lot of basketball, I study the game a lot,” Collins said. But some of it is just a natural ability that I have. I’m blessed to be able to do what I do.“
Veteran Support Extends Beyond Collins
While Collins may have the most on-court impact among Long Island’s veterans due to his skills as a facilitator, players like Tyson Etienne, Nate Williams, and E.J. Liddell bring even more NBA experience to the roster.
The 6’0” Etienne and 6’6” Liddell are on two-way contracts, with both having already appeared in games for Brooklyn early in the season. With the Nets’ rookies also expected to move between Brooklyn and Long Island throughout the year, Etienne and Liddell should serve as familiar faces as the young players adjust to the grind of the professional level.
The 6’5” Williams brings the most professional experience to the G League roster, having appeared in 47 NBA games. The Buffalo product averaged 10.6 points per game while shooting 61.5% from the field and making four starts for the Portland Trail Blazers as a rookie.
According to Williams, Brooklyn’s rookies will benefit from the experience of being around Long Island’s veteran players.
“Just the way I approach the game. I leave all of my energy on the court, and I think any young player can learn from that,” Williams said.
Besides receiving strong mentorship from teammates, a key factor in the development of young players is having access to a coaching staff with a level of development experience. This is Mfon Udofia’s fourth year as head coach. Same with his No. 2, Shawn Sword. Jorge Gutierrez, a one-time Brooklyn Nets fan favorite, is in his second year.
Udofia discussed his approach to developing the Nets’ young talent while also offering insight into his relationship with Brooklyn’s coaching staff.
“It’s extremely gratifying to coach these guys during their first year in the NBA. It’s something I’m really excited about. It’s going to take time, we just need to be patient and meet those guys where they are,” Udofia said. “We know the philosophy. Jordi and his staff do a good job at making us one club. When the guys come down to Long Island to play with us, its part of the same project.
While it remains unclear how much time Brooklyn’s first-round picks will actually spend in Long Island and whether any will escape the ride along the Southern State Parkway. the organization has a strong track record at the G League level with a host of development successes. This time, though, is unique and thus a lot more challenging.
