Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Brandon Jennings

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Brandon Jennings made an impact.

Brandon Jennings is a former NBA player known for his unconventional path to professional basketball. He bypassed college to play professionally in Europe after high school, a relatively rare move for American prospects. He played nine seasons in the NBA, showcasing his skills as a point guard. While he had a promising career, injuries impacted his performance and longevity in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 2008: Considering Euroleague

In June 2008, Brandon Jennings announced he was considering playing professionally in the Euroleague, skipping college, with the goal of eventually playing in the NBA.

July 16, 2008: Signed with Lottomatica Roma

On July 16, 2008, Brandon Jennings signed a $1.65 million contract with Lottomatica Roma of the Italian Serie A and received a $2 million endorsement contract from Under Armour to showcase their products in the Euroleague.

2008: Played for Lottomatica Roma

In the Serie A 2008-09 season, Brandon Jennings averaged 5.5 points in 17.0 minutes per game over 27 games. In 16 Euroleague games, Jennings averaged 7.6 points in 19.6 minutes per game.

October 30, 2009: NBA Regular Season Debut

On October 30, 2009, Brandon Jennings made his NBA regular season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers, nearly recording a triple double with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists.

November 14, 2009: Scored 55 Points vs. Warriors

On November 14, 2009, Brandon Jennings scored 55 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors, breaking the team record for most points in a game by a rookie and becoming the youngest player to ever score 55.

2009: Drafted by Milwaukee Bucks

In 2009, Brandon Jennings declared for the NBA draft and was selected 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks after playing professionally in Italy.

2009: Donation to L'Aquila earthquake victims

In 2009, Brandon Jennings donated $50,000 to support the victims of the L'Aquila earthquake.

June 24, 2010: Participation in Steve Nash's charity soccer match

On June 24, 2010, Brandon Jennings participated in Steve Nash's Showdown in Chinatown charity soccer match in New York City.

October 30, 2010: Recorded First Triple Double

On October 30, 2010, Brandon Jennings recorded his first triple double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against the Charlotte Bobcats.

March 25, 2011: Scored Season-High 37 Points

On March 25, 2011, Brandon Jennings scored a season-high 37 points against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

2011: Played in Drew League

In 2011, with the NBA season in a lockout, Brandon Jennings played in the Drew League to stay in shape and prepare for the season.

2012: Hit Game-Winning Shot and Made Playoffs

In 2012, Brandon Jennings made a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer against the Cleveland Cavaliers and teamed up with Monta Ellis to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to the playoffs for the first time since Jennings was a rookie.

2012: Sought Long-Term Contract

In 2012, with Brandon Jennings set to hit restricted free agency at the end of the 2012-13 season, he sought a long-term contract and indicated he would not return to Milwaukee without an agreement.

July 31, 2013: Signed-and-Traded to Pistons

On July 31, 2013, Brandon Jennings was signed-and-traded to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton and Viacheslav Kravtsov, agreeing to a three-year contract.

December 5, 2013: Returned to Milwaukee with Pistons

On December 5, 2013, Brandon Jennings returned to Milwaukee with the Detroit Pistons in a 105–98 win over the Bucks, finishing with 17 points and 11 assists.

2013: Traded to Detroit Pistons

In 2013, Brandon Jennings was traded to the Detroit Pistons after playing four seasons in Milwaukee.

January 11, 2014: Tied Franchise Record for Assists

On January 11, 2014, in a game against the Phoenix Suns, Brandon Jennings recorded 16 assists in the first half, tying Isiah Thomas' franchise record for the most assists in a half.

January 16, 2015: Scored Season-High 37 Points

On January 16, 2015, Brandon Jennings scored a season-high 37 points on 10-of-23 shooting in the 98–96 win over the Indiana Pacers.

December 17, 2015: Reported to Grand Rapids Drive

On December 17, 2015, Brandon Jennings voluntarily reported to the Grand Rapids Drive, the Pistons' D-League affiliate, on a rehab assignment.

February 16, 2016: Traded to Orlando Magic

On February 16, 2016, Brandon Jennings was traded to the Orlando Magic, along with Ersan İlyasova, in exchange for Tobias Harris.

July 8, 2016: Signed with New York Knicks

On July 8, 2016, Brandon Jennings signed with the New York Knicks.

October 25, 2016: Debut with Knicks

On October 25, 2016, Brandon Jennings debuted with the New York Knicks against the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording seven points, three rebounds, and five assists.

2016: Traded to Orlando Magic

In 2016, Brandon Jennings was traded to the Orlando Magic after spending three seasons in Detroit.

February 27, 2017: Waived by the Knicks

On February 27, 2017, Brandon Jennings was waived by the New York Knicks after requesting a trade due to lack of playing time.

March 1, 2017: Signed with Washington Wizards

On March 1, 2017, Brandon Jennings signed with the Washington Wizards.

July 28, 2017: Signed with Shanxi Brave Dragons

On July 28, 2017, Brandon Jennings signed a one-year deal to play for the Shanxi Brave Dragons of the Chinese Basketball Association.

December 9, 2017: Released by Shanxi

On December 9, 2017, Brandon Jennings was released by Shanxi after playing 13 games.

2017: Split season between Knicks and Wizards

In 2017, Brandon Jennings split the season between the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards before a final stint in Milwaukee during the 2017-18 season.

February 13, 2018: Acquired by Wisconsin Herd

On February 13, 2018, Brandon Jennings was acquired by the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League.

March 11, 2018: Signed with Milwaukee Bucks

On March 11, 2018, Brandon Jennings signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, returning to the franchise for a second stint.

August 1, 2018: Waived by Bucks

On August 1, 2018, Brandon Jennings was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.

August 20, 2018: Jennings Signs with Zenit Saint Petersburg

On August 20, 2018, Brandon Jennings signed a one-year deal with the Russian team Zenit Saint Petersburg of the VTB United League.

November 20, 2018: Jennings' Contract Terminated

On November 20, 2018, Brandon Jennings' contract with Zenit Saint Petersburg was terminated after only 10 games, following an Instagram post criticizing the coach for favoring his son.