Mikel Brown Jr. gaining momentum as Nets’ top option at No. 6 in 2026 NBA Draft

The Brooklyn Nets face a franchise-altering decision with the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. While there was initially little consensus on the team’s top target, several signs have pointed to Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. in the days leading up to the draft.

Brown Jr. met with the Nets three times during the pre-draft process, including an in-home visit during which the team’s brass met with his family in Orlando.

“There’s definitely a relationship built there,” Brown told ClutchPoints of the Nets. “Talking constantly to [Sean] Marks and Coach Jordi [Fernandez]. The biggest thing [Marks] emphasized if I get selected there is building that relationship with Jordi. You gotta have a great connection there. So to be able to pick his brain on a lot of things and learn his system and come in and make an impact right away was big.”

Mikel Brown Jr. told me he’s met with the Nets three times:

“I’ve definitely built a relationship there. Talking constantly with Mr. Marks and Coach Jordi. The biggest thing [Marks] emphasized if I get selected there is building that relationship with Jordi. You gotta have a… pic.twitter.com/NrHEGv3Dxj

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) June 22, 2026

Brooklyn met with Brown at the combine, then traveled to Orlando to see him before hosting him for a workout.

Are Nets targeting Mikel Brown Jr. at No. 6 in 2026 NBA Draft?

The 20-year-old said the Nets’ level of communication throughout the process has been different from that of other teams.

“It’s definitely unique. Obviously, there’s definitely been interest there,” Brown said. “But [them coming to Orlando] definitely made an impact. They got to talk to my mom and my dad. It was a great conversation.”

The Nets met with Mikel Brown Jr. at the combine, then flew to Orlando to meet his family, then hosted him in Brooklyn for a workout:

“[Them visiting my home] was definitely unique. Obviously, there’s been interest there… But that definitely made an impact. They got to talk to… https://t.co/6RI1chn4Cb pic.twitter.com/IMEH7i27ig

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) June 22, 2026

Brown missed half of his freshman season with a back injury but flashed star potential when healthy. He averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists on .410/.344/.844 shooting splits across 21 appearances. At 6-foot-4 with NBA shooting range, explosive athleticism and dynamic ball-handling and passing ability, Brown has as much upside as any prospect outside of the top four.

Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr. and Nate Ament are also viewed as options for Brooklyn. Wagler canceled a workout with the Nets but told ClutchPoints that he met with the team twice and received positive feedback. Meanwhile, Acuff and Ament both worked out for Brooklyn and could be options on Tuesday.

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