troy brown jr

Former LA Laker Troy Brown Jr. Lands in Adelaide: A Major Coup for the 36ers

The Adelaide 36ers have sent shockwaves through the National Basketball League (NBL) landscape, securing the signature of former NBA wing Troy Brown Jr. for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

In a move that signals their championship ambitions loud and clear, the 36ers have added a wealth of NBA experience to their roster. This signing is not just about acquiring talent; it is a strategic masterstroke that leverages a unique rule change, transforming the 36ers into a potential juggernaut.

The Main Narrative: A Star Acquisition Down Under

For fans of Australian basketball, the name Troy Brown Jr. carries significant weight. At just 25 years old, Brown has already completed six full seasons in the NBA, facing off against the world's elite players. The Adelaide 36ers have officially welcomed the 6'7" American wing, a move confirmed by major outlets including ESPN and The Australian.

This acquisition is particularly significant because of the circumstances surrounding it. The 36ers, currently sitting in second place on the NBL ladder, have managed to secure what essentially functions as a fourth import. This rare roster flexibility was made possible by the elevation of superstar Bryce Cotton to the status of a naturalised citizen, freeing up a valuable import slot.

As reported by ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, Brown Jr. has signed for the remainder of the season, bringing a versatile skillset to a team already boasting considerable firepower.

Recent Updates: The Signing Coup

The timeline of this acquisition moved rapidly, catching the league by surprise. Here is the breakdown of the verified reports:

• The Announcement: On November 13, 2025, news broke via ESPN that Troy Brown Jr. was finalising a deal with the Adelaide 36ers. Olgun Uluc, a reputable source for basketball news, confirmed the signing was for the remainder of the 2025-26 NBL season.
• The Confirmation: The Adelaide 36ers officially announced the signing, with reports from The Australian describing it as a "major signing coup."
• The Context: Reports indicate Brown Jr. was coming off a stint in Puerto Rico, but his pedigree remains rooted in the NBA.

This signing places Brown Jr. alongside Zylan Cheatham and Nick Rakocevic, creating an incredibly deep and talented roster for Adelaide.

Contextual Background: Who is Troy Brown Jr.?

To understand the magnitude of this signing, one must look at Troy Brown Jr.'s professional history. He is not a prospect looking for a break; he is a seasoned professional.

NBA Pedigree Brown was drafted in the first round (15th overall) in 2018 by the Washington Wizards. Over his six-year NBA career, he played 356 games—an average of roughly 60 games per season, indicating durability and reliability. His career stops included significant tenures with: * Washington Wizards: Where he began his career. * Chicago Bulls: Where he honed his defensive versatility. * Los Angeles Lakers: Perhaps his most high-profile stop, playing under the bright lights of LA and alongside superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Versatility on the Court Standing at 6'7" (approx. 201cm), Brown is the prototypical modern wing. He possesses the size to defend multiple positions, a skill highly valued in the NBL's physical environment. While his three-point shooting has fluctuated throughout his career, his ability to handle the ball, rebound, and make smart defensive plays makes him a "glue guy" that championship teams often rely on.

Interesting Fact: Troy Brown Jr. shares his name with his father, Troy Brown, who was also a professional basketball player, though the father had a distinct career primarily in Europe and briefly in the NBA during the 1990s.

Immediate Effects: The "Fourth Import" Strategy

The immediate impact of this signing on the NBL is profound. The Adelaide 36ers have effectively flexed their financial and strategic muscles.

The Bryce Cotton Effect The catalyst for this move was the status of Bryce Cotton. Cotton, one of the greatest scorers in NBL history, recently received Australian citizenship. Under NBL rules, naturalised citizens do not count toward the strict import limit (usually two players). This created a loophole that the 36ers have exploited brilliantly.

Raising the Floor By adding Brown Jr., the 36ers have insurance against injuries and a player who can immediately contribute to winning basketball. His presence allows the coaching staff to manage minutes more effectively and provides a defensive stopper who can handle the league's elite scorers.

League-Wide Implications Other NBL teams are now on high alert. The "super-team" dynamic has shifted in Adelaide's favor. The combination of Cotton’s scoring, Cheatham and Rakocevic’s interior presence, and Brown’s perimeter versatility makes the 36ers a nightmare matchup.

Future Outlook: Championship or Bust?

With the regular season in full swing and the playoffs approaching, the expectations in Adelaide have skyrocketed.

Strategic Implications For Troy Brown Jr., the NBL serves as a vital platform. At 25, he is still young enough to attract NBA interest if he performs well. A dominant run in Australia could pave the way for a return to the NBA or a lucrative contract in Europe. For the 36ers, the goal is singular: the NBL Championship.

Risks and Rewards The risk for any NBA-caliber player coming to the NBL is adaptation. The league is physical, travel is grueling, and the style of play differs slightly from the NBA. However, Brown’s experience playing in various systems under coaches like Scott Brooks and Frank Vogel suggests he has the basketball IQ to adapt quickly.

The Verdict The Adelaide 36ers have done what few teams can: turn a rule nuance into a competitive advantage. The signing of Troy Brown Jr. is a declaration of intent. If he integrates well with the existing squad, Adelaide may be unstoppable.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Adelaide Entertainment Centre to see if this "stacked" roster can deliver on its promise. For NBL fans, it is an exciting time, and for Troy Brown Jr., it is a fresh start in a league that is rapidly gaining global respect.