From NBA draft pick to EuroLeague MVP: the journey of Sterling Brown
In short: After being drafted 46th overall in 2017, Sterling Brown’s career has spanned the NBA, the G League, and elite European leagues. Beyond the court, his life has been marked by significant legal battles and a resilient drive to use his platform for social awareness.
Sterling Brown’s professional ascent began at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he became the school's all-time leader in wins. In his final collegiate year, he recorded averages of 13.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, guiding the Mustangs to American Athletic Conference titles. The Philadelphia 76ers picked him 46th overall during the 2017 NBA draft, but the Milwaukee Bucks acquired his rights soon after.
His NBA tenure included stints with the Bucks, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Oklahoma City Thunder. However, his career has also been shaped by off-court challenges. In January 2018, Brown was tased and arrested in a Milwaukee parking lot. While the incident was initially investigated as resisting arrest, a subsequent review of bodycam footage led the Milwaukee Police Chief to label the officers' actions as inappropriate. This resulted in a $750,000 settlement in 2021, which included an apology for the unnecessary escalation and mandated changes to police tactics and anti-racist policies.
In recent years, Brown has found significant success in Europe. After playing for Alba Berlin, he joined Partizan, where he helped the team secure the ABA League and Serbian League championships. His impact was cemented on March 28, 2026, when he earned his first EuroLeague career MVP honors for a Round 34 performance. In July 2026, he moved to the Lithuanian club Žalgiris Kaunas following a $530,000 buyout from Partizan.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Sterling Brown (basketball)
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