On the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know, sports writer and NetsInsider.com editor Rick Laughland joins Pete to discuss Mikel Brown Jr.’s development, his early-season role off the bench, and what Brooklyn Nets fans should expect from the sixth overall pick during his rookie season.
Despite the excitement surrounding Mikel Brown Jr.’s arrival in Brooklyn, his role coming off the bench has raised questions about how the Nets plan to develop the 6th overall pick of this year's NBA Draft.
After missing three of the Nets’ four preseason games with an ankle injury, Brown played 18 minutes of the preseason finale, giving hope to Nets fans that he would be in the starting 5 come opening night.
Not only did he not start, but head coach Jordi Fernandez would goto confirm that the team would take a cautious approach to his minutes restriction in addition to keeping him out of back-to-back games. Something we have already seen as Brown sat for the 2nd game of this weekend's back-to-back vs the Cavs.
In the episode I brake down the possible benefits of Mikel Brown Jr coming off the bench and why Nets fans need to continue being patient. In particular, I think we need to remember that he not only missed the entirety of training camp, but has only played in 21 NCAA, 4 summer league, and 1 preseason game before his NBA debut.
Given those circumstances, easing Brown into the rotation could be the right move for both his short-term health and long-term development.
Make no mistake, Brown will have plenty of opportunities to earn a starting role this season, and Nets fans should eventually get to see him share the court with fellow young guard Egor Dëmin.
The question isn't if Brown will become a starter, but when.
In this episode Rick and I expand on this, predict when he could enter the starting lineup, and share our expectations for his rookie-season.
If you haven't, you can check out the full episode here: Nets Fans You Know Ep 135
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