Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) hopeful to play in preseason

Brooklyn Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. is progressing in his recovery from a sprained left ankle that has limited him during the first week of training camp, coach Jordi Fernández said.

Brown sustained the injury last month and has been limited to non-contact drills and other related on-court work with the team. He was ruled out of their exhibition opener on Tuesday, along with fellow rookie Joshua Jefferson (back).

The sixth overall pick is taking part in more activity and was recently allowed to begin some contact work with the coaching staff, according to Sharif Phillips-Keaton of Nets Wire . The team hopes he can suit up in one of its three remaining preseason games.

Brown played only 21 games last season at Louisville because of a back injury that sidelined him midseason and during the postseason. He still became the Cardinals' highest-drafted player since Felton Spencer was selected sixth overall in 1990.

The 6-foot-5 Brown debuted with the Nets in summer league, averaging 15 points, four assists, 1.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 34.6% from 3-point range in four games. He finished in double figures in each appearance, including a 20-point performance on July 10.

Brown believes summer league helped him learn the playbook and some of the concepts and coverages the team will deploy this season. While he isn't certain when he can return, Brown is busy observing his teammates and studying film.