From NBA draft pick to European mainstay: the journeyman career of Anthony Brown
In short: After being selected 34th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Brown's basketball odyssey took him far beyond the NBA. His path through the NBA Development League, various NBA rosters, and several top-tier European leagues reveals the relentless grit required of a professional athlete.
Anthony LeJohn Brown, born October 10, 1992, first rose to prominence as a standout at Ocean View High School. A highly-rated four-star recruit, he was ranked as the 41st player overall and the 7th-ranked small forward by Scout.com. His collegiate career at Stanford University, spanning from 2010 to 2015, was marked by both excellence and adversity. Following a hip injury that forced a medical redshirt during the 2012–13 season, Brown emerged as the Pac-12's Most Improved Player in 2013–14, leading the Cardinal to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16.
The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Brown 34th overall during the 2015 NBA draft, marking his entry into the league. While his time in Los Angeles included stints with their D-League affiliate, the Los Angeles D-Fenders, his career soon became a global tour. He navigated the complexities of the NBA's developmental systems, notably becoming the first player in Minnesota Timberwolves history to sign a two-way contract in 2 and 2017. His NBA experience also included brief periods with the New Orleans Pelicans, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers.
As his career progressed, Brown transitioned into a prominent figure in international basketball. He has played for numerous clubs across Europe and beyond, including Partizan in Serbia, Limoges CSP and Metropolitans 92 in France, and Montakit Fuenlabrada in Spain. His recent years have been defined by his presence in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi, representing clubs such as Frutti Extra Bursaspor, Bursaspor, and Türk Telekom, before signing with Beşiktaş in July 2025. This trajectory highlights a career defined by adaptability across different basketball cultures and leagues.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Anthony Brown (basketball)
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