Brandon Jennings has retired from professional basketball. After a career that included playing in the NBA and overseas, he officially announced his retirement in 2020.
Brandon Jennings, a high school phenom who skipped college to play professionally in Italy, was drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2009 NBA Draft. He is best known for his time with the Bucks, particularly for scoring 55 points in a game during his rookie season, which is still a record for a rookie. Jennings played for several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Washington Wizards.
His career was hampered by injuries, notably an Achilles injury in 2015 while with the Pistons, which significantly impacted his performance and playing time. As his NBA opportunities dwindled, Jennings played abroad, including stints in China and Russia.
In 2018, he attempted an NBA comeback with the Milwaukee Bucks, signing a couple of 10-day contracts and then a multi-year deal, but was eventually waived. After not finding a new NBA team, Jennings announced his retirement from professional basketball on his social media platforms in 2020.
Since retiring, Jennings has expressed interest in coaching and has been involved in various basketball-related activities, including youth camps and potentially exploring opportunities in player development or scouting. His journey from a high school standout to a professional player who experienced both the highs of NBA success and the challenges of injuries illustrates the unpredictable nature of a professional athlete’s career.