The Nets’ Rising Star got a seat on the pine.
After being injured in his last game before participating in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend, Rodions Kurucs sat for Thursday’s 113-99 loss to the Trail Blazers.
Considering the Nets are 24-17 when Kurucs plays and a gaudy 18-11 when he starts, but now are just 6-13 when he doesn’t get on the court, his absence was conspicuous — and more than a little curious.
“Keeping the rotation, keeping it … at 10,” coach Kenny Atkinson said by way of explaining his reason for benching the rookie.