More often than not, small guards rarely thrive in the NBA and make a lasting impact for their teams. For former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas, though, two-time All-Star Terrell Brandon is one of those select few players who have succeeded in the league, even with his 5’11” height.
Terrell Brandon was an American professional basketball player who spent 11 seasons in the NBA. Born in Portland, Oregon, he attended the University of Oregon, where he set several school records and earned all-conference honors.
Brandon was selected 11th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1991 NBA draft. He spent the first six and a half seasons of his career in Cleveland, initially as a backup to Mark Price before becoming the team’s starting point guard. Brandon earned consecutive All-Star selections in 1996 and 1997.
In 1997, Brandon was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he spent two seasons. Plagued by injuries, he was then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1999. Paired with All-Star forward Kevin Garnett, Brandon helped lead the Timberwolves to their first 50-win season and playoff appearance in franchise history. He played his final three seasons with the Timberwolves before retiring at the age of 31 due to a series of injuries.
Overall, Terrell Brandon was a talented and versatile point guard who made a significant impact during his career, earning two All-Star selections and the NBA Sportsmanship Award in 1997.
Boston Celtics Icon Isaiah Thomas Includes Terrell Brandon One of the NBA’s Best Small Guards Ever
Just recently, former champion and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups appeared as a guest for Carmelo Anthony’s 7PM in Brooklyn podcast to discuss Brandon’s career. Thomas shared the video on his official X account and reaffirmed the former Cleveland Cavaliers star as one of the league’s best small guards ever.
I just put TB in my top 5 of guards 6ft and under! So Cold! Never got the chance to meet bro and give him his flowers for paving the way https://t.co/21jISfgLYg
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 23, 2024
During his 11-year run in the NBA, Brandon averaged 13.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He also shot 44 percent from the field, 35 percent from deep, and 87 percent from the free throw line.
If Brandon was never ravaged by injuries, there’s a good chance he could have stayed longer in the league. Fortunately, guys like Thomas and Billups have given him his flowers and the recognition he deserves.
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