From shattering records at Louisville to elite mentorship from Rajon Rondo, the sixth overall pick brings high-octane scoring and defensive grit to Brooklyn’s ambitious new era.
Mikel Brown Jr. is starting his career by playing in the city he believes is the best, where celebrities sit courtside and the spotlights are on him: New York.
His ties with the Brooklyn Nets grew during the draft process, but began last year’s McDonald’s All-American Game. He set a new three-point record in the three-point contest, participated in the dunk contest and started at point guard for Team West.
Brown said he practiced in the Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center throughout the entire weekend.
“Being in Brooklyn, and practicing at the Nets facility, and stuff like that, it was a great time,” Brown told Green Light Views on Aug. 8. “I had a very fun time.”
Brown had already spent plenty of time around the Nets before draft night. He met with general manager Sean Marks and coach Jordi Fernández three times before they selected him with the sixth overall pick.
Pressure shouldn’t be new to Brown. He spent his freshman season going up against some of the ACC’s best teams, and Louisville routinely put the ball in his hands when it mattered.
Brooklyn is betting on Brown becoming one of the pieces it can build around. He’s not part of a tanking team, like the Nets were last season finishing 20-62. They aim to compete with new acquisitions in the offseason.
His time with the Louisville Cardinals prepared him for his role as the lead ball-handler. NBA legend Rajon Rondo mentored him in his freshman season, teaching Brown to make the simple play.
Not long after that, Brown put Rondo's advice into practice, scoring 103 points over three games.
The 6-foot-5 guard scored a career-high 45 points on 14-for-23 shooting, including 10-for-16 from deep against the NC State Wolfpack on Feb. 9. He tied Wes Unseld for a school record in points and Reyne Smith for three-pointers made in a single game.
The former Cardinal followed his career-high performance with back-to-back 29-point games against Baylor (Feb. 14) and Southern Methodist (Feb. 17).
He showcased his versatility in summer league, responding to the challenges coach Dutch Gaitley set for him.
Brown got skinny on screens, navigating them well; blocked shots and jumped passing lanes for quick steals. The two-way versatility wasn’t what he was known for in college, but he made strides in Las Vegas.
Veterans Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. will take him under their wing, helping him adjust to the NBA’s pace. A year after starting at point guard in the McDonald’s All-American Game, Brown is now being asked to help shape Brooklyn’s future.
Brooklyn hasn't had this kind of spotlight since the Durant, Harden and Irving era. Brown will draw all the attention in a city he believes is the best to play basketball.
