Brief

Mikel Brown Jr. cleared for Nets preseason debut in Miami after ankle injury

The No. 6 overall pick is set to play his first game in Florida after missing the first three preseason contests.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:00:25 GMT

Brooklyn Nets rookie forward Mikel Brown Jr. is slated to make his preseason debut on Wednesday in Miami, the team confirmed after he missed the first three games with a left‑ankle injury.

What happened

Brown rolled his left ankle three weeks ago in practice and was sidelined for the Nets' preseason wins over the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers. He was cleared to practice over the weekend and participated in a 5‑on‑5 scrimmage before sitting out the Nets' Monday win in Washington.

What the reports add

The New York Post reported that Brown told the outlet he feels "amazing" and "very excited" to finally suit up, adding that the chance to play in his home state of Florida "means the world" to him. The article also notes that the Nets will limit his minutes, but the team has been rotating players throughout the preseason.

What was said

"Yeah, I feel amazing. Very exciting, because I’ve been waiting and itching to play for the longest to this point," Brown said to the Post. He added, "It’s very difficult, because you’re watching your teammates playing. You’re like, ‘I wanna be out there, I want to be playing with them.’ So to be able to finally scratch that itch and go out there and do what I do best, it means the world to me."

How it came about

Brown, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, missed the first three preseason games while recovering from his ankle injury. The Nets improved to 3‑0 in the preseason with a 131‑122 win in Washington, highlighted by Michael Porter Jr.'s 22 points and Julius Randle's nine assists in the first half. The team will open the regular season on Oct. 21 at home against the Hornets.

Key facts

Mikel Brown Jr. will debut in the Nets' preseason game in Miami on Wednesday. (nypost.com)
Brown missed the first three preseason games due to a left ankle injury. (nypost.com)
Brown said he feels amazing and excited to finally play, especially in Florida. (nypost.com)