Like many who have struggled to land a contract they feel is due, Brandon Boston Jr. was not re-signed by the New Orleans Pelicans and left the NBA for the Fenerbahçe Beko overseas, one of the winningest teams in Europe. However, his struggles in shooting and scoring have vindicated the Clippers for declining his qualifying offer, despite his nationally televised evolution.
In six EuroLeague games, Bronny James’ once-upon-a-time teammate for Sierra Canyon averaged just 2.8 points. In the Turkey-BSL, he has looked better and worse, averaging 7.5 points, but shooting 7-18 inside and 2-5 from beyond the arc.
If Boston Jr. is not scoring, he is essentially of no help. The Clippers and Pelicans had the same reasoning for not offering him a contract to return, and what he might have thought would be an easier playing field appears formidable, as teams overseas are realizing why his spot was lost in the NBA.
Brandon Boston Jr. will likely remain in action overseas until further notice
To end up out of the NBA after four quick seasons, especially as a former five-star prospect, a player has to consistently blow opportunities, yielding a low success rate. Brandon Boston Jr. was one of the most inefficient score-first wings the LA Clippers have rostered, yet shot-chucking was all he knew how to do.
In fact, he did not even shoot 40% from the floor for the Clippers as a six-foot-six phenom whose teenage years were spent under the spotlight as a prodigy for one of the most highly regarded schools in the nation.
He had a solid 42-game run in front of the New Orleans Pelicans’ front office, but they just could not put up with the inconsistency. Rightfully so, he would have a good game, then fall into a slump.
What else were the Pelicans expected to do with his contract, given the challenges he left Willie Green, their former head coach, to face in the offense?
With the adversity surrounding Boston Jr. at Fenerbahçe Beko, he could continue to make attempts to flourish in his current situation, or redirect to another country or league that is a better fit for NBA scouts watching.
All in all, Boston Jr. may stay overseas. His motor is stemmed from his passion and love for hoops, and this will hopefully guide him back to the NBA, where all Clippers fans would like to see him, given his maxed-out talent.