2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Kobe Brown
Overview
Kobe Brown was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and chose Missouri over Texas A&M, Minnesota, Penn State and Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-7 wing was a solid rotational player to start his career, but he blossomed as a junior and took off as a senior. He was named to the 2021-22 All-SEC second-team after averaging 12.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 steals with 48/21/79 shooting splits. The following year, he improved his efficiency and posted 55/46/79 splits, which helped him boost his scoring average to 15.8 points, earning him 2022-23 All-SEC first-team honors. The best statistical outing of his collegiate career was his 20-point, 23-rebound performance against Paul Quinn on Nov. 29, 2021. It was the ninth 20-20 performance in Missouri history and the first since 1980. His 23 rebounds were the most by a Tiger since 1966.
Analysis
Brown’s improved shooting efficiency as a senior turned him into an intriguing prospect. He was always good in transition thanks to his athleticism, but he transformed into a three-level scorer during the 2022-23 campaign and showcased a patient, mature mentality in half-court sets. At 6-foot-7, he has the size to guard numerous positions, but his upside is contingent on how his offensive game translates to the NBA.
Projection
Brown’s best chance at playing time as a rookie is embracing a 3-and-D role off the bench, but he may have to start his career in the G League. He has a similar build to Jeff Green, and while he doesn’t project to be as impactful as the veteran was early in his career, Brown can certainly emulate how Green has played in recent years.
— Profile by RotoWire