Networks lottery selection Mikel Brown Jr sprained his left ankle last week and is still not cleared for contact, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.
“Yeah, at the moment they’re just telling me you can get a little movement back, actually just trying to get the reinforcement back.” – said Brown. “I mean, I’m back on the court moving. That’s all I’m really worried about right now. I’m just taking it one step at a time.”
Brown would like to speed up the process, but the medical staff is holding him back.
“I feel I have no choice but to be patient,” – said Brown. “I really want to be there, but they’ve just been stressing to me, ‘Let’s take our time with these things and get you back 100 percent,’ which I, I’m trying to play as soon as possible. So I’m just attacking this rehab, focusing on the things I can control.”
Here’s more on the net:
- Guard Yehor Demin would like the ball in his hands more often this season, according to CJ Holmes of the New York Daily News. “I think last season it was a lot more off the ball, catch-and-shoot type of game.” – said Demin. “While at BYU I was 80% of the game, I was with the ball in my hands.” Later, Demin added, “I think my focus this year is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, that’s going to open up a lot more opportunities for that. Being able to create not only for myself, but for others, and being able to pass and play in transition, play fast basketball.”
- Day Ron Sharp is the projected starter in center but a rookie Moritz Wagner will also get a chunk of playing time, coach Jordi Fernandez told Lewis. “It’s a challenge because the minutes will go up,” Fernandez said. “But I want them to compete for a starting spot. So right now, whether it’s De’Ron or Mo, they’ve never been starters. I see it more as a group that works well together. They challenge each other, but they embrace each other. It could be different guys finishing games, different guys starting games. Also, for me, their health and their bodies are very important and I have to be careful with what I do for them. … But I don’t think the minutes will be a problem.”
- Keon Ellis said that playing for Fernandez was one of the top reasons on his list for joining the Nets. Alice signed a two-year, $18 million free agency deal in July. “In this game — and it’s a business — to have someone like Jordi as a head coach, someone you’re familiar with, (is huge). You know all the schemes, you know what he’s about, you know they want to work.” Ellis said Zach Brasiler of the New York Post. “It’s a safe space right there. He’s familiar with my game, I’m familiar with how he swings. That was the No. 1 thing. He knows how I play and I know how he wants his team to play. I know I can have a big impact that way.” Ellis played for the Kings when Fernandez was an assistant coach from 2022-24.
