It may be time to bring back Bruce Brown. It is not the kind of reunion Nets fans would expect, but it might be the one that makes the most sense. As Brooklyn heads into the offseason with a ton of cap space and a roster full of questions, there is a growing sense that the team could look back to an old friend for answers. Brown, who has not worn a Nets jersey since the year 2022, is suddenly a name worth watching, and not just for sentimental reasons.
Brown’s path since leaving Brooklyn has been anything but smooth. He won a championship with Denver, playing a huge role as a do-it-all guard. Then left there in the offseason to spend a couple of short seasons with Indiana and Toronto which were both slowed down by injuries. This past season if you take a look at the stats his numbers of 8.3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists on 42/33/82 shooting, will not jump off the page, but he is still the same tough, versatile, and ready to take on whatever role is needed guy when healthy.
That’s exactly what the Nets need right now
Brown was never the main star in Brooklyn, but he was often the guy who made things work. Whether guarding up a position, crashing the glass, or cutting into open space for an easy two, he did the little things that kept games within reach. In 2021-22, the Nets even used him in all sorts of different schemes, because he was that smart, that tough, and that adaptable.
Now, with the Pelicans he is set to become a free agent or if the rumors are true, that the Pels are reportedly open to moving him in a sign-and-trade, then the timing should feel right for the Nets. Brooklyn has the space to make a move, and there are not a lot of better short-term answers. Brown knows the system, knows the city, and fits almost any lineup. He won’t fix everything, but he gives the team flexibility and a little bit of the edge that they have been missing.
It might feel like a backward step, or even a desperation play. But in today’s NBA, finding a player who can defend multiple positions, run in transition, and not complain about his role is rare. Bruce Brown checks all those boxes extremely well.
What if it doesn’t work?
If you bring him back for a reunion and things do not pan out, you can always flip him to a contender at the deadline. Doing this wouldn’t cause harm, it would just be a smart, steady move that buys the Nets time to figure out the bigger picture. Like I mentioned before this wouldn’t be a flashy return. But chances are it might be the right one.