Mikel Brown Jr. just dropped 15 points, three assists, and two steals in his NBA debut. Yeah, you read that right. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 draft finally hit the court for the Brooklyn Nets’ preseason finale on Wednesday, and he looked good doing it. But despite that explosive showing against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat, the rookie guard is still stuck on a minutes restriction, which means he’s coming off the bench for the foreseeable future. He only played 18 minutes in that 144-128 loss, which is wild for a guy with that kind of potential.
Coach Fernandez Is Playing the Long Game (Or So He Says)
Coach Jordi Fernandez isn’t messing around when it comes to Brown’s left ankle sprain, an injury that kept him sidelined before training camp even began. Fernandez made it clear that Brown’s current minute count just doesn’t line up with what it takes to start. “You guys can look at what starter minutes are, and I think you can answer that question for yourself,” Fernandez said after Friday’s practice. “Usually, if you play less than 24 minutes, it’s hard to start [you] because otherwise, it’s hard to finish minutes with that player.” So, for now, it sounds like Brown is going to be hovering around 20 minutes per game. The coach is all about building him up “the right way” to “impact the game.” He wants the luxury of deciding who finishes games based on who’s playing well, and with Brown coming off the bench, he’s got that flexibility. Smart? Maybe. Frustrating for fans who want to see their top pick ball out? Absolutely.
The Starting Five Debate Is Already Brewing
Everyone around the league figured Brown, the former Louisville Cardinal, was gonna slide right into that starting point guard spot for the Nets’ home opener on Wednesday. It’s the No. 6 pick, come on! But with his ankle sprain, Egor Demin has been starting at point guard, and Keon Ellis at shooting guard. The Nets kept that same starting lineup from their first three preseason games, and it looks like that’s the plan going forward while Brown builds strength. Fernandez isn’t giving specifics on the exact minute limit, but it’s clear the conversation about Brown potentially starting won’t even heat up until that ankle restriction is fully lifted. It’s a bummer, but safety first, right?
The Nets’ home opener is next Wednesday, and even though Brown lit it up off the bench, we’re all watching to see how long Coach Fernandez keeps that leash tight. Can Mikel Brown Jr. build his strength and make that starting spot undeniable? You gotta believe the conversation about him starting will blow up the second that ankle is 100%.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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