The Brooklyn Nets are hoping that the summer league circuit was shed some light on some of the younger players on the team as the franchise prepares for the 2026-27 NBA season. With the California Classic in the rearview mirror, Brooklyn also has a good idea on how prepared Egor Demin is for next season, but one of the rookies has been impressive in limited time as well.
“He’s obviously electric. He showed his ability to get downhill, we got to help him figure out where his reads are, but his ability, I’m really impressed with his defense,” Nets summer league coach Dutch Gaitley said of guard Mikel Brown Jr. following Monday’s 100-79 win over Golden State Warriors Blue in the Classic. Brown finished the contest with 10 points and four assists in just 19 minutes.
“I think he’s giving great effort, something he’s not known for. He’s known for his off-the-dribble shooting, his ability to get into the paint, but I was really impressed with his ability to compete defensively and try to do our staples,” Gaitley continued. “He’s very mature. Four assists to two turnovers. He’s obviously only played 19 minutes, but I think his ability to see where the rotations are going to go a step, two steps ahead are really important.”
Brown, 20, was taken by the Nets with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and while Brooklyn invested heavily in the guard positions last year, the former Louisville Cardinal is expected to be a factor when next season comes around. At this point in the offseason, it seems that Brown is competing with Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf to be the starting point guard next year and he’s off to a great start so far.
“Just be myself. Dutch and Jay [Hernandez], and all the whole coaching staff told me to just be myself, go out there and make plays, and that’s what I did,” Brown said after Monday’s win over Warriors Blue. It remains to be seen how much Brown will play when the team shifts over to the Las Vegas Summer League later this week, but as of now, he has made quite the impression on the entire team and coaching staff.
Dutch Gaitley on Mikel Brown Jr.’s debut performance and the Nets’ overall effort in their California Classic win Monday night. #NETSonYESpic.twitter.com/Tm80IYK6EL
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 7, 2026
After logging ten points and four assists in a little over 19 minutes, Mikel Brown Jr. talked about his first pro game, the Nets’ California Classic Summer League win Monday over Warriors Blue. #NETSonYESpic.twitter.com/O933VHB4wI
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 7, 2026
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets’ Dutch Gaitley explains what makes Mikel Brown Jr. electric
