The Brooklyn Nets' top draft pick, Mikel Brown Jr., has dealt with some injuries during his first NBA offseason. As the preseason kicks off, it remains unclear if he will suit up.
The Brooklyn Nets selected standout Louisville freshman point guard Mikel Brown Jr. with their top draft pick in this past year's draft, pairing him next to second-year guard Egor Dëmin.
But, he has dealt with some injury trouble, being limited in the Summer League and currently dealing with an ankle injury ahead of the NBA Preseason.
On Thursday, the New York Post's Brian Lewis gave an update on Brown's status, while noting that he is not yet cleared for contact.
"Yeah, as of right now they’re just telling me you could get back moving a little bit, really just trying to get the strengthening it up back,” Brown said about his injury. “I mean, I am back on the court moving. That’s all I’m really worried about right now. I’m just taking it one step at a time.”
With the team opening up their preseason slate on Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets, Brown's availability remains unknown.
The team will likely attempt to ramp Brown up for Monday's practice, but a patient approach definitely seems to be in line.
When asked if he planned to suit up for any preseason action, Brown said he is just focused on doing what he can to get back on the court as soon as possible, while leaving his official status up to the coaching staff.
At Summer League, Brown averaged 16.7 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game, displaying the playmaking abilities that he showcased in college.
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.
Brown's two-way ability, coupled with his ability to get going from long range, is exactly the type of guard the Nets are looking for.
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 punch gives the Nets' roster another high-level scoring talent, who can compliment the wing pair of Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr.
While getting Brown preseason reps would be beneficial, it would not be surprising to see him held out, allowing the team to be at full-strength ahead of the regular season.
