History of Brandon Jennings in Timeline

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

1968: Earl Monroe Scored 56 Points

In 1968, Earl Monroe scored 56 points, which was more than any rookie since Brandon Jennings scored 55 on November 14, 2009.

1970: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's Rookie Record

In 1970, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar previously held the Milwaukee Bucks record for most points in a game by a rookie, before Brandon Jennings broke the record.

September 23, 1989: Brandon Jennings Born

On September 23, 1989, Brandon Byron Jennings was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

March 2005: LeBron James's 56 Points

In March 2005, LeBron James scored 56 points, which was the second-highest total for a player under 21, behind Brandon Jennings's 55 points on November 14, 2009.

August 2006: Initially set to join USC

In August 2006, Brandon Jennings was initially set to join the University of Southern California (USC).

2006: Attended Dominguez High School

In 2006, Brandon Jennings attended Dominguez High School in Compton for his freshman and sophomore years.

2006: Participated in Elite 24 at Rucker Park

In 2006, Brandon Jennings was one of eight top high school players followed in the film Gunnin' For That #1 Spot from their hometowns to New York City for the Elite 24 at Rucker Park.

2006: Michael Redd's 57 Points

In 2006, Michael Redd scored 57 points, which was the most points scored by a Milwaukee Buck, ahead of Brandon Jenning's 55 points on November 14, 2009.

April 24, 2007: Committed to Arizona Wildcats

On April 24, 2007, Brandon Jennings committed to the Arizona Wildcats due to the quality academic faculty and his desire to play with Jerryd Bayless.

November 2007: Featured in SLAM Magazine

In November 2007, Brandon Jennings was featured on the cover of SLAM Magazine's third edition of PUNKS along with Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans, and Lance Stephenson.

2007: Led team to top ranking

In 2007, Brandon Jennings led his team to a 41-1 record and the top ranking in the USA Today Super 25 list of high school teams while playing at Oak Hill Academy.

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.

June 2008: Attended Movie Premiere

In June 2008, Brandon Jennings attended the premiere of Adam Yauch's basketball movie Gunnin' For That #1 Spot at the Magic Johnson Theatre in Harlem.

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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: Earned High School Awards

In 2008, Brandon Jennings averaged 35.5 points per game in his last year of high school, earning him the Naismith Prep Player of the Year Award, Gatorade Player of the Year (Virginia), Parade Magazine Player of the Year, and EA Sports Player of the Year.

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.

2009: Previous 20-point, 20-assist game

In 2009, Steve Nash had the last 20-point, 20-assist game in the NBA before Brandon Jennings did so on January 21, 2015.

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.

December 15, 2010: Broke Foot Against Spurs

On December 15, 2010, Brandon Jennings broke his left foot against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to him missing 19 games.

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.

2014: Subject of the song "Chartjunk"

In 2014, Brandon Jennings, specifically his tense relationship with Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles, was the subject of the song "Chartjunk" by indie rock band Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks.

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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.

January 25, 2015: Ruled Out for Season with Injury

On January 25, 2015, Brandon Jennings was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a ruptured left Achilles tendon that required surgery.

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.

2021: Bucks in 6

In 2021, The phrase "Bucks in 6" from the 2012 season became a famous phrase among the fanbase, when the Bucks won the NBA Finals, coincidentally in six games after trailing 2–0. Jennings was subsequently invited to participate in the team's championship parade and helped design their championship rings.