Nets showing increased interest in rising NBA Draft prospect, and it’s not Nate Ament

With less than two weeks to go until the 2026 NBA Draft, it’s unclear what direction the Brooklyn Nets will go with the No. 6 pick. Much of the recent speculation surrounding the Nets has centered on Tennessee forward Nate Ament. However, many within league circles have questioned whether Brooklyn would pull the trigger on Ament at No. 6.

Mikel Brown Jr. is viewed as a more plausible option for the Nets if they stay put. Brooklyn is showing increased interest in the Louisville guard, according to draft analyst Rafael Barlowe.

“The Brooklyn Nets have made an in-home visit to Mikel Brown Jr. and his family in Orlando. That’s a good indication that they are very, very interested in the Louisville point guard. I know that Brown is working out for the Nets in Brooklyn on either Thursday or Friday. So definitely something to keep an eye on,” Barlowe said on the Locked On Nets podcast.

"The Nets have made an in-home visit to Mikel Brown Jr. and his family in Orlando. A good sign that they are very, very interested… I know he's working out for the Nets in Brooklyn [on Thursday or Friday]."@DraftJunkyJames details the Nets' growing interest in Mikel Brown Jr. pic.twitter.com/ASC9jfOnri

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) June 12, 2026

This week’s workout will mark at least the third time Brooklyn has met with the Louisville guard during the pre-draft process. Brown told ClutchPoints that he met with the Nets at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

“It would be a great opportunity [in Brooklyn],” Brown said. “Just continuing to build relationships with them as time goes on and continue to talk to my family, my circle, and my agent, obviously, and the people behind me. It’s something that we’re definitely interested in and looking forward to building a relationship with [the Nets].”

It’s not difficult to envision why Brown could be the Nets’ top target at No. 6.

Will Mikel Brown Jr. be Nets’ top option at No. 6 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?

The 19-year-old possesses the best intersection of size, ball-handling, passing and athleticism among the prospects outside of the top four.

While Brown converted only 34.4 percent of his threes this season, he attempted 14.7 per 100 possessions. Scouts are confident in his shooting projection at the next level with improved shot selection. And while he struggled with turnovers (3.1 per game), his playmaking flashes were as bright as any guard in the draft.

Further, Brown measured in at 6-foot-3.5 barefoot with a 6-foot-7.5 wingspan at the combine. He ranked third among all prospects in the lane agility test and fourth among all guards in max vertical (39.5 inches). That athleticism aided him as an interior scorer this season, as he shot 63.2 percent at the rim.

Brown’s size and shooting could allow him to play alongside any of the guards the Nets drafted last year. His size, offensive skill set and maturity have impressed scouts during workouts.

“The information that I keep getting when I talk to people close to the process, they’re wowed by how he interviews and how well he’s performing in these workshops. He’s shooting the ball well. And also just how big he is in person, how much he’s grown,” Barlowe said.

Brown’s health was a question entering the draft process after he missed the second half of his freshman season with a back injury. However, Brown was cleared medically at the combine, and league sources say his health has not been a concern among NBA executives.

While the Nets may be high on Brown, it’s unclear whether he’ll make it to No. 6. The Los Angeles Clippers, who need size and versatility in the backcourt alongside Darius Garland, reportedly have interest in Brown at No. 5. However, the Clippers have signaled that they are open to trading down.

If Brown is the highest player on the Nets’ board, they could attempt to trade up one spot to secure him.

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