Nets Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. Likely to Come Off Bench Despite Impressive Preseason

Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. impressed during his preseason debut for the Nets, but a minutes restriction is expected to keep him coming off the bench for the season opener. Brown scored 15 points, dished out three assists, and recorded two steals in his limited appearance. Despite the strong showing, head coach Jordi Fernández stated that the team's "No. 1 priority is his health and build him the right way." The lottery pick missed the first three preseason games with a rolled left ankle and will continue to be on a minutes restriction for Wednesday's game against Charlotte.

Fernández indicated that a player needs to be cleared for at least 24 minutes before he would consider starting them. This approach allows for flexibility in managing playing time and ensures the player can impact the game effectively, even in a reserve role. "We’re not there yet for that reason. I need him to build the right way and impact the game," Fernández explained. "And as you’re building, coming off the bench, I still have the luxury to finish games with him if I need to."

Brown himself expressed that starting or coming off the bench does not significantly affect him. "At the end of the day, if I come off the bench, if I start, I mean, still would be me regardless when it comes to that stuff. I don’t look at that stuff," Brown said. He was observed wearing an ankle brace at practice and will consult with the performance staff regarding its use during the season. Brown stated he felt physically sound after his preseason game and aims to play in all 82 games this season.

In other team news, Joshua Jefferson remains sidelined with back stiffness and has not yet rejoined the team fully for practice. Coach Fernández did not provide an update on whether Jefferson had undergone imaging for the injury. Josh Minott's preseason playing time was limited, and Fernández emphasized the need for him to "play with an edge, but at the same time being disciplined with a lot of the things that he’s required to do."