The Louisville standout's frequent discussions with Sean Marks and Jordi Fernández signal a potential move to hand the dynamic playmaker the keys to Brooklyn’s rebuilding backcourt.
The 2026 NBA Draft is one day away, and among all the buzz about who the Brooklyn Nets will draft, Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. met with the organization three times.
Brown Jr. is one of many prospects that Brooklyn is contemplating drafting with its No. 6 pick. The interactions between both parties could help the Louisville guard land with the Nets and become their next lead guard.
“Talking constantly with Mr. Marks and Coach Jordi (Fernández),” Brown Jr. told Clutch Points’ Erik Slater on Monday. “The biggest thing [Marks] emphasized if I get selected there is building that relationship with Jordi. You gotta have a great connection there. So to be able to pick his brain on a lot of things and learn his system and come in and make an impact right away was big.”
Building a relationship with the general manager and coaching staff could give the 6-foot-5 a head start at leading the franchise if selected. Brooklyn drafted four guards in last year’s draft, but none of them developed into the primary option.
The Louisville product is a certified No. 1 option, having spearheaded the Cardinals' offense even with lingering lower back issues. He averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists across 21 games.
His lower back injury sidelined him for 14 games and caused him to miss the NCAA Tournament. It sparked red flags for NBA teams evaluating his medicals, but he was eventually cleared.
Brown Jr. would receive the keys to Brooklyn’s offense under Fernández. The Nets coach prioritized the rookies’ development last season, and his mentality shouldn’t change heading into next season.
Guards Ben Saraf and Nolan Traoré received extended opportunities carrying the primary ball-handler role. It was a bumpy experience for the young duo, but they showed flashes in pick-and-roll settings.
If the Nets select the Orlando, Florida, native, he’ll have the ball in his hands most of the time. He’ll be the first lead guard since the team has James Harden, paired with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
However, he isn’t the consensus favorite pick for Brooklyn, much like Darius Acuff Jr. is for the Sacramento Kings. Nate Ament, Keaton Wagler, Karim López and Acuff Jr. have each received some steam as potential selections for the Nets.
The top four picks are pretty much consensus: AJ Dynantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The Los Angeles Clippers pick before Brooklyn and will influence who the organization takes, depending on their selection.
Regardless, Brown Jr. forming a relationship with the Nets could lead to the team selecting him on Tuesday night.
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