Mikel Brown Jr. didn’t need many preseason minutes to make an impression. In 18 minutes against the Miami Heat, the rookie put up 15 points, hit two 3-pointers and added two steals. It was the kind of snapshot that hints at what Brooklyn thinks it has - and also the kind of performance that comes with a reminder to slow down.
Brown opened Wednesday’s season opener against the Charlotte Hornets on a minutes restriction, something head coach Jordi Fernández called a precaution before tipoff. His point was simple: rookies are carrying a load long before the regular season ever starts.
The grind begins with predraft workouts, then rolls through Summer League and training camp before the real games even arrive. By the time an 82-game season hits, young players are dealing with new arenas, new opponents and new expectations. That’s a lot to absorb, even when the excitement is high.
“The message to them is basically to be ready and take advantage of the opportunities,” Fernández said of Brown, Joshua Jefferson and Tyler Bilodeau.
Brown’s recent path made the caution make sense. The 20-year-old played 21 games at Louisville last season, averaging 18.2 points and 4.7 assists while dealing with back trouble.
A sprained left ankle then limited him to one of Brooklyn’s four preseason games. Against Miami, he shot 4-for-7 from the field and went 5-for-5 at the line.
Fernández has liked what he’s seen from Brown, but he’s also focused on the bigger picture: getting him ready for the daily demands of the NBA, from taking care of his body to handling the routine once the novelty fades.
That kind of development matters especially in a second summer, when a young player can settle into a better rhythm after the draft process is behind him and a season is already on the resume. For now, Brooklyn is handling Brown carefully.
Fernández pointed out that only two players remained from his first season with the Nets, while the organization has drafted eight players over the past two years. Brown, the No. 6 pick, is part of what the team is trying to build next.
“We first of all drafted the person, somebody that we believe will represent the club the way that we want to be represented,” Fernández said.
He also described Brown as vocal and mature beyond his years, while making clear there’s still plenty to learn.
“I’m very happy to get to coach him and to grow together,” Fernández said.
Charles Lee had his own strong read on Brooklyn after watching the Nets in the preseason. The Charlotte coach didn’t hold back before Wednesday’s opener at Barclays Center.
“The roster is just loaded, I think so,” Lee said.
That assessment comes against the backdrop of a Nets team that went 20-62 last season and finished last in the NBA in offensive rating at 108.7 points per 100 possessions. The preseason told a very different story. Brooklyn led the league with a 120.3 offensive rating over four games, a promising sign for a group still sorting out its chemistry.
Lee pointed to Egor Demin’s better shooting and his growing comfort operating in pick-and-rolls and off the ball. He also praised Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting from the perimeter and Julius Randle’s ability to create for himself and others.
Randle’s preseason numbers backed that up. He had 19 assists in four games, and eight of them went to Porter’s 18 assisted baskets.
“They’ve looked great during the preseason,” Lee said. “I even think that the last couple years they’ve continued to develop really good young players.”
Lee also expected the Nets to bring confidence into the opener after what they showed in the exhibition slate.
“I think they were one of the best offensive teams in the preseason, which means that they’re coming in with a ton of confidence as well,” Lee said.
Fernández, meanwhile, has been using Randle as an example for the rest of the roster. Before the opener, he pointed to two plays in particular: full-court pressure on the ball and a dive for a loose ball. Those are the kinds of efforts he wants from his team more consistently.
Randle’s scoring and passing have already changed the shape of Brooklyn’s offense, but Fernández wants more than production. He wants the three-time All-Star setting the tone with effort, too.
“When you lead by example, it’s way more impactful than when you lead with your words,” Fernández said.
That message fits what Brooklyn needs most. The Nets finished 26th in defensive rating last season, giving up 119.0 points per 100 possessions, and opponents shot 49.7% from the field. Fernández sees Randle’s habits as part of the answer.
Randle had five steals in four preseason games after averaging 1.1 per game with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season. He started all 79 of his games and brings playoff experience to a roster filled with young players.
Fernández said he wasn’t surprised by that edge. He had seen it from the other side before, and coaching Randle has only reinforced it.
“I think you guys saw him ball pressuring full court and diving for a ball and that’s what we need from him,” Fernández said. “Then all these other young guys, if he does that, you better do it.”
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