Nets select Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. with No. 6 pick

C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News on Jun 23, 2026

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NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets selected Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 pick in Tuesday’s NBA draft, adding a skilled perimeter prospect one night after acquiring Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a three-team trade.

Brown averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 21 games at Louisville while shooting 41.0% from the field, 34.4% from 3-point range and 84.4% at the free-throw line.

The pick gives the Nets another young guard to develop alongside a roster still being reshaped. Brooklyn entered the draft with No. 6, No. 28 and No. 43 after sending Claxton to the Chicago Bulls and No. 33 to Minnesota in the deal for Randle.

Brown had been connected to Brooklyn throughout the pre-draft process. He met with the Nets at the combine, had team officials visit his family in Orlando, Fla., and later worked out in Brooklyn. Brown also described ongoing communication with general manager Sean Marks and head coach Jordi Fernández.

The 20-year-old’s fit became easier to understand after the Randle trade. Randle gives Brooklyn a veteran scorer and playmaking forward who can absorb possessions and give a young guard room to grow. Brown doesn’t have to walk in as the entire offense. He can play with the ball, work away from it and learn how to function next to a physical frontcourt hub.

Claxton’s departure still leaves the Nets with a need at center, but the No. 28 pick gives Brooklyn a separate path to address the frontcourt. At No. 6, the Nets used the selection on guard skill, shooting touch and long-term offensive upside.

For a team still searching for order, Brown becomes one of its most important developmental bets.

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