The Brooklyn Nets’ highest pick since they took Derrick Favors in 2010 will not start in Wednesday’s opener vs. Charlotte Hornets. Jordi Fernandez also told reporters at Friday’s practice that Mikel Brown Jr. will be on minutes restriction. Brown Jr. played 18 minutes in the last preseason game two days ago, his only appearance.
“Our number one priority is Mikel’s health and building him the right way,” Fernandez said of the No. 6 pick. “If you play less than 24 minutes, it’s hard to start because
it’s hard to finish [the game] with that player. We’re not there yet [with Mikel]. I need him to build the right way and impact the game.
“And as you’re building and coming off the bench, I still have the luxury to finish games with him if I need to. And that’s the type of team that we have here. We have a team where whoever is playing well that game will have a chance to finish and help us win.”
The third year head coach did not provide details on how long the minutes restriction will last, although that is likely a moving target. How he does in one game is likely to effect how many minutes he’ll get in the next. Moreover, the responsibility will be shared among Fernandez as well as the medical and performance staff.
Brown Jr. said it wouldn’t matter whether he starts or come off the bench.
“If I come off the bench or I start, it’s still going to be me regardless,” Brown Jr. said who was wearing an ankle brace at practice.. “I don’t look at that stuff. If I start, I start. If I come off the bench, I come off the bench. Just continue to do what I do.”
Brown Jr. rolled his ankle early in training camp and missed the first three preseason games with Keon Ellis taking the 2 spot and Demin playing the 1. Fernandez tried to tamp down fan anxiety about the decision by noting how good Brown Jr. looked vs. the Heat.
“It’s a preseason game, but we saw his game translates right away offensively… Building him up the right way is very important for us,” Fernandez said. “We want to protect him from himself, because as you guys know, players just want to play and want to play a lot of minutes. But we’re very happy with where he is right now. He’s been outstanding with his work ethic and his day-to-day.”
Meanwhile, Fernandez also addressed the health status of the Nets other first round pick, Joshua Johnson, the No. 28 pick who’s been troubled with back soreness.
“He’s not joined the group fully yet. He’s been part of the group, but he’s not ready to come back yet. I cannot answer that question with the imaging,” Fernandez said of the 6’9” point forward.
- Mikel Brown Jr. unlikely to start despite ‘impressive’ preseason showing– Brian Lewis – New York Post
- Why Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. will come off bench to start season – Erik Slater – Clutch Points
- Mikel Brown Jr.’s promising Nets debut comes with praise, patience and a familiar believer ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
- Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. to remain on minutes restriction for now – Shareef Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY
