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Clippers 2024-2024 Player Preview: Kobe Brown
Our player preview series for the 2024-25 Clippers continues with second-year forward Kobe Brown.
Basic Information
Height: 6’7
Weight: 250 pounds
Position: Forward/Center
Age: 24
Years in NBA: 1
Key Stats: 2.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.3 steals, 0.1 blocked shots in 9.0 minutes per game across 44 games with 41.1/29.2/50 shooting splits.
Contract Status: Second year of a four-year contract worth a little over $12 million.
Expectations
Kobe Brown comes into this season sort of teetering on the line between playing a big role and sitting on the bench again. Given the Clippers’ depth at the forward position, there doesn’t seem to be much room for regular rotation minutes. And, given Ty Lue’s affinity for small-ball, we’ll see more Nicolas Batum at power forward rather than small forward.
A steady diet of the San Diego Clippers is probably in the forecast for Brown this season. But he does bring a unique skill-set at the four that could potentially get him into the rotation at some point this season.
Strengths
Brown is a floor spacer at power forward. Although his percentages last season wouldn’t suggest that, he can step out and shoot from three-point range with confidence.
He has the tools to be a good rebounder as well. He averaged around five boards a game during summer league, and you’d want that number to be closer to the 7-8 range. But he has the ability.
And perhaps one of his most improved aspects is his playmaking and decision-making with the ball in his hands. During summer league, he averaged 4.2 assists per game. He’s also showing the ability to make plays off the dribble. That’s something the Clippers other reserve forwards aren’t able to do.
Weaknesses
Two things stand out for Brown here, consistency and defense. Consistency in that he CAN be a good shooter from deep, but aside from his senior year at Missouri, his efficiency has not been as consistent as you would want from a stretch-four.
Defensively, he can still get lost while making mistakes. During summer league, his fouls were a concern. Being disciplined on that end of the court while cutting down on his fouling would go a long way to Kobe being an impact rotation guy.
Summary
With a fully healthy Clippers team, there just doesn’t seem to be enough room for Brown in the rotation. But with Kawhi Leonard’s status up in the air, there is a pathway for Brown to play right away.
However, don’t be surprised to see him getting plenty of reps in the G League again.
Clippers 2024-2024 Player Preview: Kobe Brown
David Yapkowitz