Mikel Brown Jr. has played much of his career wearing the same jersey number as a nod to a couple of All-Stars, and the rookie will continue that trend with the Brooklyn Nets.
Growing up in Central Florida, Brown wore No. 0 during his various stops at Orlando Christian Prep, Overtime Elite and the DME Academy in Daytona Beach. He also chose to wear it for his freshman campaign last season at Louisville.
The sixth overall pick was inspired to wear No. 0 because of veterans Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook, who have both sported it throughout their Hall of Fame careers. Brown will be the 19th player in franchise history to wear it, and the first since Dariq Whitehead.
"I chose it in like fourth or fifth grade," Brown said last month, via the
NBA on Instagram. "I kind of just went with the number because I liked Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook at the time, and I still do. It is going to be surreal to go up against (them). I remember talking about it a couple of years ago, and (Damian) told me he expects me to be here soon, so I'm here now."
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).
The 20-year-old 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.
Brown is eager to get to work and help the Nets turn things around on the court. He'll likely be equally as excited to face off against several of the top players in the league, including Lillard and Westbrook.
Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
Previous: AJ Dybantsa | Darryn Peterson | Cameron Boozer | Caleb Wilson | Keaton Wagler
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Nets' Mikel Brown Jr. names two All-Stars as jersey number inspiration
