Nets HC Fernández Evaluates Rookie Brown's Preseason Debut

The Brooklyn Nets closed out their preseason slate 3-1, with the offense clicking at a high level and the new additions looking connected.

Mikel Brown Jr., the Nets' top overall selection from this past year's draft, missed the opening three matchups, but had a strong showing in his lone appearance.

Brown scored 15 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 18 minutes.

Following the game, head coach Jordi Fernández spoke on Brown's performance.

"[I liked] his pace and how he moves...He looked great. And it's just the first few minutes. He's gonna continue to get better and build from there," Fernández said. "I love his communication, how engaged he was with his teammates."

Brown got going early on after entering off the bench, hitting his first shot attempt - a wing 3-pointer.

The standout Louisville freshman was a 3-point marksman during his lone year with the program, posting multiple huge days from distance.

In a 40-point blowout win over ACC-rival NC State, Brown tied a program-record with 45 points, shooting over 60-percent from the field and 3-point range.

Brown seemingly couldn't miss from deep, knocking down 10-of-16 long balls and knocking down all seven of his free throws.

His 45-point outburst tied Wes Unseld’s single-game scoring record in Louisville history.

This scoring ability was on full display in Brown's limited minutes against the Miami Heat, as he was able to get downhill and get to the free-throw line at a high clip.

Defensively, Brown showed great anticipation off the ball, intercepting two passes and turning them into easy baskets the other way.

The connections being built between Brown and his teammates has been evident as well, with multiple players voicing their support for him to have a big year.

At his introductory press conference, Brown talked about the relationships being formed with him and the rest of the roster, while saying that the team is looking to accelerate the rebuilding process.

"I was talking to Julius Randle about it the other day and he told me, 'We’re gonna shock the world,' Brown told media. "That’s what we plan on doing."

Alongside second-year guard Egor Dëmin, who has seemingly taken a jump heading into this season, the Nets' front office is feeling good about the future of it's backcourt.

With Brown missing time throughout the offseason, he will likely start the year on the bench, allowing him to get acclimated to the speed of the NBA.

But, with Brown's potential and scoring ability, expect Fernández to try to get him in the first unit as quickly as possible.