Brooklyn’s game plan hinges on patience, as they ease rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr. into a full NBA role, reports Howie Kussoy of The New York Post. After a preseason ankle setback, he’s capped at 20 minutes off the bench in the opener, and Coach Jordi Fernandez says this will continue for now.
“We’ll stick with this until the data tells us otherwise,” Fernandez explained after Friday’s practice. “One game isn’t enough. He logged 21 games last year; this season stretches to 82. He won’t play every night. We’ll let him build gradually, eventually handling back‑to‑backs, but not right now.”
Brown logged an extra 20 minutes Saturday in Cleveland, likely sitting out Sunday versus Indiana, Kussoy notes. He matched up with Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, a fellow Louisville alum who’s mentored Brown for years. Mitchell, cited by Brian Lewis of The New York Post, says the youngster’s NBA future looks bright.
“Few high‑school players notice the nuances. I’m talking to (Brown) like I would James Harden,” Mitchell said. “He’ll do great things in Brooklyn. Nets fans have reason to be excited, because they’ve landed a talent.”
More Nets updates follow:
- First‑rounders Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf stayed on the bench during the opening‑night loss to Charlotte, C.J. Holmes reports for The New York Daily News. Fernandez aims to lock in his current rotation, so minutes for the sophomore picks may have to wait. For my money, their development will hinge on early‑season trust.
- Brooklyn hopes to push the tempo this year, yet they must improve rebounding to sustain it, Holmes writes elsewhere. The Hornets grabbed 15 offensive boards and enjoyed a 20‑8 edge in second‑chance points. “We need to assert our physicality and finish first,” Julius Randle added. “I’ll set that tone.”
- After the loss, second‑year guard Egor Demin discussed finding ways to help when his shot stalls, Holmes notes. He went 2‑of‑10, scoring four points. “Opportunities are there, everything’s given to me, I just have to execute at my desired level,” he said. Can Demin become a reliable second‑unit spark next season?