Brooklyn Nets: 3 reasons Bruce Brown Jr. cannot be underestimated

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Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers drives toward the basket as Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets defends (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2. Brown brings defensive intensity and rebounding

Many NBA fans have complained about the Nets’ awful defensive play this season. But don’t include Brown in those complaints! He’s an excellent on-ball defender and uses his 6-foot-9 wingspan to deflect passes, grab steals, and provide help in defensive rotations. Brown contributes significantly to Brooklyn’s 28% steal percentage against their opponents this season.

The former University of Miami guard is allowing just 7.7 opponents points per game and just 5.6 fastbreak points when he’s on the floor, all the while producing a 0.6 defensive win share rating.

What else? Brown is a capable rebounder, averaging 4.7 per game. The second-year player gives up just 6.4 opponent second-chance points while allowing 6.3 points in the paint, and he’s scoring 1.5 points per contest off turnovers.

At 6-foot-4, Brown averages 13.6% of the Nets’ defensive rebounding. He’s also willing to get into the paint and compete against bigger, taller players. The Nets have a 10.8% rebounding percentage with Brown in the lineup, as Brooklyn’s defensive numbers have improved from the start of the year.

Lastly, Brown has an impressive 8.9 PIE (Player Impact Estimate) while playing less than 23 minutes per game.