Isaiah Whitehead steps up to fill Nets’ Jeremy Lin-sized hole
Isaiah Whitehead’s first three months in the NBA have represented an ongoing challenge, which the Brooklyn native continues to answer.
In 25 minutes Friday night, the Nets rookie displayed his trademark tenacity against the Wizards’ John Wall, one of the premier point guards the rookie has been tasked with stopping this season.
Although Whitehead had his struggles — Wall crossed him over so badly that he ended up moving in the opposite direction — he also showed the physical tools that could make him an impact player.
With Wall attempting to back him down, Whitehead stood his ground like he has so many times before at Lincoln High School and Seton Hall, to force a turnover.
“He’s Coney Island tough,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. “He’s a physically imposing guy. Wall tried backing him down and he just put his chest out and John turned it over. The special feeling for his demeanor excites you. When we are talking about development, and down the road, this kid has a chance.”
The reason for Atkinson’s excitement is simple.
Whitehead has continued to improve from the first day of practice through the last game played.
The Seton Hall product has improved his points per game in every month of the season, going from 3.0 in October to 8.0 for the month of December.
Additionally, Whitehead has become more efficient on the offensive end, improving his shooting percentage from 33.3 percent in October to 47.6 percent in December.
It’s in stark contrast to what Atkinson thought possible from the rookie guard after the draft.
“I’m thrilled with his progress, where that first week you were like, ‘Man this is going to be tough, is he going to be ready?’ ” Atkinson said. “Now it’s like, ‘Let’s throw him out there,’ and we’re comfortable with that.”
In truth, injuries to Jeremy Lin forced Atkinson’s hand.
Whitehead had to be thrust into action earlier than anticipated with the results decidedly mixed. After all, Whitehead had played just one year of point guard at Seton Hall before being drafted in June.
But much as he did in college, Whitehead has turned the early struggles into success. Those frustrating decisions on offense have been limited.
His penchant for falling for pump-fakes has been corrected, and he’s grown adept at picking others’ pockets, averaging 1.1 steals per 36 minutes.
“I’m still learning,” Whitehead said. “There’s a lot of things I could pick up. There’s a lot of things I need to know, but I always thought I could play. I never would have left college if I didn’t think I could play at this level.”
After starting 18-of-25 games he has played in this season, there isn’t much doubt of Whitehead’s ability to play at the NBA level.
He is currently the Nets’ assists leader, averaging 3.0 in 22.6 minutes per game and has shown the willingness to learn, taking advantage of opportunities to both compete and talk with elite point guards from around the league.
“He’s street smart and he’s a lot smarter than he lets on to be,” Atkinson said. “He picks up things quick.”
“I just think that’s the Brooklyn way,” Whitehead added. “You get after it, and you compete as much as possible.”
Following the Brooklyn way has led Whitehead to numerous awards during his career, including Mr. New York Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, and Big East All-Rookie and first team honors.
Where it could take Whitehead in the NBA is anyone’s guess.