Mikel Brown Jr. established himself as a lottery pick last season at Louisville, and the Brooklyn Nets rookie credited former 16-year veteran Rajon Rondo for assisting him along the way.
Brown was named to the All-ACC third team, averaging 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 34.4% from 3-point range. He dropped a career-high 45 points on Feb. 9, tying the single-game program scoring record (Wes Unseld).
Speaking on "Cousins" with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, Brown said Rondo was among the players he studied growing up. He recalled a conversation with the Louisville native that helped ignite that historic performance with the Cardinals.
"I don't think he gets enough credit," Brown said. "I was fortunate enough to
have him as a mentor this year. He was in Louisville. He invited me to his crib, and we watched some film together; played a little bit of chess. I got to pick his brain a lot this year, watch film with him. ... He broke the game down in just such a simple way. He just kept telling me, 'You don't need to overcomplicate it. You're extremely talented. Just keep it simple, and I promise you, you're going to make the right play every single time.'"
Brown debuted with the Nets in summer league, averaging 15 points, four assists, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 34.6% from 3-point range in four games. He finished in double figures in each appearance, including a 20-point performance on July 10.
The 6-foot-4 Brown had the opportunity to play with several other teammates, including Egor Dëmin, Drake Powell and Ben Saraf. He showcased his scoring ability and potential as a facilitator with the group, which were a few of the traits that attracted the Nets to him in the draft.
Brown is eager to get started with the group and prove himself to the front office and fans. He wants to impact winning above all else and help the Nets turn things around on the court.
"At the end of the day, it is about plus-minus with me," Brown said. "If I'm on the court, are we in a plus? Are we winning the margins? I feel like that is the biggest thing that kind of separates me from everybody else, and some things that I want Nets fans to know are that I'm all about winning. Whether that is me scoring it, me playmaking, me being a leader, or if I have to be all of them. I've taken on that burden."
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Nets' Mikel Brown Jr. credits Rajon Rondo as a mentor at Louisville
