Nets Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. Set for Preseason Debut
WASHINGTON — Following a report about Mikel Brown Jr.’s anticipated preseason debut, the rookie confirmed he’s finally going to play in Miami after sitting out the first three games of the preseason.
“Yeah, I feel amazing. It’s very exciting because I’ve been waiting and itching to play for quite a while,” Brown shared. “I’m just glad to see that all the effort is paying off, and I’m continuing to stay focused and healthy.”
“It’s really tough when you see your teammates out there playing. You think, ‘I want to be out there with them.’ So, finally being able to scratch that itch and go out there and do what I do best means everything to me,” he added.
As the sixth overall pick, Brown rolled his left ankle during practice three weeks ago.
After missing out on victories against the Hornets and 76ers, Brown got cleared to practice over the weekend. He participated in a 5-on-5 session but didn’t play in Monday’s win against Washington.
Now, the Orlando native is ready to make his debut in his home state.
“I’ve been pushing myself every day,” Brown said. “Just getting back on the court to play basketball is going to mean a lot—especially being back in Florida. It feels like home, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
While he’ll have a limit on minutes, the Nets have been circulating their players throughout the preseason anyway.
Brooklyn’s regular season kicks off on October 21 at home against the Hornets.
The Nets secured their third preseason win, defeating Washington 131-122.
Michael Porter Jr. led scoring with 22 points, but Julius Randle’s playmaking and Nolan Traore’s composed gameplay also stood out.
Randle delivered all nine of his assists in a stellar first half.
“His timing and accuracy with the passes are remarkable. Nine assists in one half? Not many players can do that… I think I’ve only really seen that from Nikola [Jokic],” commented head coach Jordi Fernández.
“[Fernández] is using me in various ways, helping me diversify my attacks on defense, and I’m just getting more comfortable,” Randle expressed. “Once I fully understand my reads and angles, I think it will only improve.”
Traore utilized his speed effectively, shooting 6-for-8 overall and 2-for-4 from beyond the arc.
“He was exceptional offensively. He can penetrate almost at will and has been efficient,” Fernández remarked. “I’ll challenge him to step up defensively… but I know he’s tough and ready for it.”
A Nets team that had difficulty creating turnovers last season is currently third in that area this preseason, consistently converting them into fast break points.
