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Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. gets high praise from mentor Donovan Mitchell as two face off for first time

Brooklyn Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. faced his longtime mentor Donovan Mitchell for the first time in an official NBA contest during a matchup in Cleveland.

The 20-year-old guard, who selected a one-and-done path through Louisville, has maintained a close developmental relationship with the Cleveland Cavaliers star since their high school days, with Mitchell frequently citing Brown's advanced basketball intelligence as a key trait.

Brown entered the game following a season-opening loss to the Charlotte Hornets, in which he recorded 15 points, three assists, two steals, and one turnover. The Nets, who secured Brown after sliding to the sixth overall selection in the draft, are looking to build around the young player, while Mitchell continues to offer guidance despite now being on the opposing side.

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