Forget the Nets’ current three-game losing streak. Throw win projections out the window. This season was always meant to be about player development.

Dariq Whitehead’s 18-point game in a loss wasn’t a big deal on its own, but what it portends for him and others might.

This was the Dariq Whitehead that Nets fans had been wanting to see. Waiting to see. Frankly, wondering if they’d ever see.