7 Current NBA stars who shockingly struggled in their Summer League debuts

Jaylen Brown

Players of Jaylen Brown’s caliber are tasked with meeting and superseding impossibly high standards. Emerging from the University of California, Berkeley, the former third overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft was somewhat of a wildcard. Brown was recognized for his athleticism and strength, yet his shooting and ball-handling skills were notably underdeveloped.

Jaylen Brown’s early Summer League performances in 2016 and 2017 demonstrated his raw talent and identified areas for growth. In 2016, he averaged 16.0 points and 6.2 rebounds but shot only 32.4% from the field. By 2017, improvements were evident, particularly with a shooting surge to 54.5% in Salt Lake City games.

These foundational experiences helped Brown transition from a draft wildcard to a pivotal player for the Boston Celtics, effectively meeting the lofty expectations placed upon him. He further solidified his standing in the NBA as the 2024 NBA Finals MVP.