Four years with the Missouri Tigers should have done the trick for Kobe Brown, an NBA-ready prospect, yet following his sophomore season, his improvements seem to be minor. The LA Clippers’ developmental staff gave him attention in the G-League and even minutes in the rotation; still, nothing within his game stands out.
Most hoop heads preach that the box score never tells the whole story, but with Brown, the leading figures worth evaluating are his shooting splits, which narrate a solid summary of his progress in the NBA.
Brown’s field-goal percentage rose by over four percent from his rookie year to his second year; however, more notably, his three-point percentage dropped by just over six percent. This would usually mean that a player is attempting more shots to justify the decrease; nevertheless, the six-foot-seven giant managed to attempt fewer shots and three-pointers in his second season compared to his first.
The summer league could have been a way for Brown to demonstrate what is deserved, and he had a great 2025 debut, posting 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals versus the Houston Rockets.
Unfortunately, Brown’s ankle has caused him trouble, keeping him inactive in the following two matches, which were won against the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. This hurts the reps he needs, which could be the breaking point for executive Lawrence Frank.
Kobe Brown being the next waived player by the LA Clippers seems sure to happen
Although the LA Clippers chose not to waive Kobe Brown with Jordan Miller, a debatable move, his future with the team remains to be determined. The Clippers and Tyronn Lue need big men who can shoot, and the only legitimate option as of now is Brook Lopez. This explains why Brown was held back, even if the next transaction regarding his career appears to lean away from a new contract.
Moreover, clearing up an extra roster spot would be more beneficial, despite Brown having two seasons of guaranteed money left on his rookie deal. He is already 25 and appears to have a set of prime years that will never arrive.
The Clippers also have a better option to choose from on their summer league roster, Patrick Baldwin Jr., who is younger and on a two-way contract with the San Diego Clippers. This boosts the likelihood of Brown hitting the waiver wire, ultimately ruling the decision to draft him as regretful.