Dariq Whitehead’s Nets outburst could be the start of shedding ‘bust’ label

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

Hindered first by injuries, then by rust and finally by his own crisis of confidence, Whitehead had a breakthrough Monday in Chicago.

The Newark native had 18 points, shot 6-for-10 from deep and teased the potential that made him the top schoolboy prospect just three years ago. 

It’s what Whitehead had been through in the meantime — two surgeries since being drafted, a lost rookie season — that made Monday so sweet.

He teased his breakout with 26 points in his last G League game, and after Brooklyn’s spate of injuries saw him get called up and given a chance against the Bulls, Whitehead didn’t waste it. 

“That was a huge part of [it],” Whitehead said. “Me scoring that 26 in the G League, it just brought back confidence that I’ve been missing for two years in dealing with the injuries, just not believing in myself. Obviously knowing the talent was there, but not doing anything in the past two years.