Nets Rookie PG Brown Pumped Up for NBA Debut

For the Brooklyn Nets, the day has arrived.

Wednesday marks the beginning of Brooklyn's 2026-2027 NBA campaign, as the team hosts the Charlotte Hornets at 7:30 p.m.

For head coach Jordi Fernández, carrying over the offensive success the team had in the NBA Preseason should be a priority, as the Nets led all NBA squads in points per game and offensive rating throughout their four games.

For rookie point guard Mikel Brown Jr., however, who is likely to start his career on the bench, Wednesday marks a dream coming true.

"The vibes are high...it’s going to be surreal running out of that tunnel…" Brown told media. "I’m just ready to hoop."

Brown was limited to just one appearance in the NBA Preseason as he continues to rehab from a lingering ankle injury dating back to the Summer League.

While it was a limited sample size, Brown looked the part throughout the offseason, displaying the combination of 3-point shooting and driving ability that made him such an intriguing prospect.

Against the Miami Heat's preseason squad, Brown scored 15 points, adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 18 minutes.

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

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

While it is uncommon for most top-8 draft picks to begin their NBA career on the bench, Brown's missed time and the importance of getting him healthy have outlined a cautious approach.

"If you play less than 24 minutes, it’s hard to start…" Fernández explained. "We’re not there yet [with Mikel]. I need him to build the right way and impact the game. And as you're building and coming off the bench, I still have the luxury to finish games with him if I need to."

In the mean time, second-year guard Egor Dëmin will have a heavier playmaking load, serving as the Nets' primary ball handler.

Brown's upside and potential fit next to Dëmin is extremely promising, especially with the added value he brings on the defensive end.

Both players can score from all three levels and should continue to grow as passers and all-around players.

Throughout the offseason, the new duo has spent a lot of time together, with Dëmin saying they put in a lot of work during the Summer.

As the Nets enter this season, the future of the backcourt in Brooklyn is promising, and the front office should be feeling confident that they will see improvements.