Former Clipper lands unexpected gig following pause on NBA stardom

Landing a contract over several bodies of water is certainly not what any top high school prospect predicts to happen in their future. Still, that may be where the best opportunity rests. Most want to enjoy the game, make a living for their families, and be around the screeching sounds of sneakers on the hardwood, and that is what drives several promising talents out of the NBA, even if there is interest for them to stay.

Furthermore, a former second-round pick of the LA Clippers, Brandon Boston Jr., was a free agent after spending 42 games in 2024-25 with the New Orleans Pelicans. He had to grind his way up, and his hard work delivered, as head coach Willie Green saw quality production and knew it was best to give the former five-star recruit, who was teammates with Bronny James in high school, a stronger green light than the Clippers.

In his 42 games, Boston Jr. averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, shooting 43.6% from the field and 35.0% from the floor. Unfortunately, his miraculous story with New Orleans ended after Boston Jr. fractured his ankle.

Boston Jr. inevitably recovered and surely received interest from teams around the league to sign. Nevertheless, the offers he received were likely for less money, considering his season-ending injury, which was possibly even non-guaranteed, and came with a limited window to showcase his abilities. 

Thus, Boston Jr. decided the best way for him to prosper in what he loves is to play in another country.

Brandon Boston Jr., a former LA Clipper, recently signed a one-year deal to live out his hoop dreams in Istanbul

Of the many former LA Clippers who are out of the league or playing overseas, Brandon Boston Jr. is the best, and he is not someone fans expected to be playing across the world after just four seasons in the NBA.

However, Boston Jr. must be confident that this route will be better for his career, as he could dominate for over 365 days with Fenerbahçe Beko and then return to the league on a higher salary and with better minutes, using Guerschon Yabusele as an example. 

That said, a pause in becoming the NBA great many expected him to be in high school has occurred for Boston Jr., but just because he is overseas does not make stardom in the association impossible, as he will surely return at a later time.