Nets' Rookie PG Brown Set For Preseason Debut Against Heat

The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the most impressive teams throughout the NBA Preseason, looking to finish their slate undefeated on Wednesday against the Miami Heat.

The wing pairing of Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. has looked effective, while second-year guard Egor Dëmin has continued to look like a more polished offensive player.

But, on Wednesday, the team will get Mikel Brown Jr. back, allowing the front office to get one more look at their top draft pick ahead of next week's season opener.

Brown is dealing with an ankle injury that limited him dating back to the NBA Summer League, and had missed the Nets' previous preseason affairs.

Getting him back for the team's final game should be beneficial for Brown, who needs as many NBA reps as possible before making his official debut.

For now, it seems like Brown will begin his NBA career on the bench for Brooklyn, as Dëmin and free agent signing Keon Ellis will anchor the starting backcourt.

As Brown gets acclimated to the speed of the next level, having a veteran guard like Ellis will be extremely beneficial.

Last season, Ellis played 48 games for the Sacramento Kings last season before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers prior to the deadline.

In Cleveland, Ellis played seven minutes more per game, increasing all his scoring, rebounding and assist numbers while shooting nearly 10 percentage points higher than he did with the Kings.

Ellis has also taken on a large role defensively, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.

As Brown gets healthy, Ellis will be able to provide defensive intensity and consistent spacing for Randle and Porter to play alongside.

At Summer League, Brown averaged 16.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, displaying the playmaking abilities that made him such a highly-touted prospect coming out of Lousiville.

In his first appearance, Brown delivered multiple high-level wraparound passes to his teammates on the wing, while also knocking down a corner 3-pointer for his first professional basket.

Defensively, Brown looked like a difference-maker, using his length and size to pressure opposing guards and force turnovers.

Eventually, I expect head coach Jordi Fernández to elevate Brown to the starting lineup, but allowing him to ramp up his minutes is a prudent approach.

Brown will likely play in a limited capacity against Miami, but look to get his shots and play aggressive to ramp up for the looming season.

The Nets take on the Heat at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night.