Brooklyn Nets: 3 most surprising players after first chunk of games
By Mike Luciano
No. 2: SF Bruce Brown
Brown is a peculiar player, as he is 6-4, doesn’t have a great jump shot, and operates more like a power forward than the point guard he was with the Detroit Pistons. Having put a first-round pick into Killian Hayes, Detroit saw no more use for Brown due to his limited ceiling on the offensive end.
Brown was traded to Brooklyn as one of the side effects of the Landry Shamet-Saddiq Bey deal. While Jaylen Hands and Dzanan Musa are both playing overseas, Brown has become undroppable. Originally seated at the end of the bench, Shamet’s poor shooting and defense gave Brown the chance to start.
Brown is a valuable member of the Nets’ rotation
Brown is averaging 6.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the floor. Brown’s versatility has been his meal ticket. He has the speed and handles of a point guard but his offensive game and defensive tenacity have allowed him to play on the wing and even on the block in Brooklyn’s ultra-small lineup.
The Nets are not a strong defensive team, but there has been a solid turnaround in recent weeks, and it directly correlates with Brown being given an increased role. He won’t be a star on this team, but he is a perfect do-everything glue guy.