Danny Wolf has worn plenty of jerseys in his basketball journey, but none carried the weight of Wednesday afternoon. At Manhattan’s HSS Lerner Children’s Pavilion, the former Michigan big man wasn’t battling on the hardwood. He stood beside hospital beds with his fellow rookie teammates, sharing smiles and handing out autographs while wearing the Nets‘ logo across his chest for the first time.
The hour-long visit had its share of quiet moments, but not when Wolf spoke up. The 6-11 forward was the tallest man in the building, and his booming voice carried just as high as his frame.
“I think it’s special for all of us,” Wolf said. “Just having the platform that we do and just being able to inspire kids through good times and bad times, and I think it’s just something we need to utilize and embrace… This little interaction can go a long way for these kids, so it’s special.”
The most memorable scene unfolded in the hallway, when players shifted from bedside visits back to the designated meet-and-greet space. One mother, a devoted Boston Celtics fan, had a son in the hospital and another back home, whom she quickly dialed on FaceTime to bring him into the moment.
The boy’s first request was Egor Demin, the Nets’ top pick in June. Then came a second name: Wolf. As soon as the phone was passed along, his voice burst with joy, and Wolf answered with the same unbridled spirit.
“I mean, sometimes you forget what you’re doing, who’s watching you, who you’re inspiring, and just to get a little glimpse of that, it’s cool and it’s unique,” Wolf said. “And, yeah, it’s just something you definitely don’t want to take for granted.”
As the official hospital of the Nets, HSS has long partnered with the franchise, not only providing world-class orthopedic and musculoskeletal care, but also working with the team on community initiatives designed to create memorable experiences for families across the tri-state area. That mission was realized Wednesday, with Brooklyn’s rookies roaming the halls and bringing energy to every corner.
Demin is still adjusting to moments like these. Born in Russia, the 6-8 guard continues to sharpen his public speaking — a challenge likely shared by several of his rookie teammates. Even so, he called the visit rewarding, especially as he handed out Nets hats and Vince Carter bobbleheads. He left already eager for the next opportunity to connect with the Brooklyn community.
“I think that’s something I’m looking forward to, and I’m super excited to meet people and get closer to the community, and hopefully inspire people and just make kids happier, and just enjoy time with the fans,” Demin said.
