The NBA world is back in the hot seat. Your idol vs. my idol, who’s better? This debate has fueled NBA fans for as long as we can remember. But when it’s you vs. me, who really comes out on top? This never-ending loop between idols keeps the internet buzzing. And when former stars like Brandon Jennings and Ty Lawson jump into the argument, battling over who’s better, it just takes the debate to another level.
In a recent episode of the Playback Podcast, Brandon Jennings clapped back at Ty Lawson’s comment about their past social media clash. Lawson had reminded Jennings that while he once dropped 55 points against the Golden State Warriors, it never happened again. Jennings immediately shut that down. “I don’t even bring that game up, I never bring that game up,” he said, thwarting the narrative. He also responded to Jeff Teague’s claim that Jennings never played with NBA superstars. “You ain’t never played with no killers,” Teague had said.
But Jennings fired back, reminding everyone that he was the star player for the Milwaukee Bucks as a rookie. Then, out of nowhere, Jennings dropped something nobody saw coming. And if what he said is true, the man deserves some serious respect.
Draft-bound stars seem to be doing pretty well with NIL money! Opendorse projects the NIL market will expand to an estimated $1.67 billion by 2024-25. Last year, Bronny James stacked $4.3 million, before hitting the NBA draft. Today’s college athletes earn more than NBA players did as students. It’s a crazy thought to think about. Much of this shift can be attributed to Brandon Jennings.
Back when the NBA’s “one-year rule” forced teens to be out of high school for at least a year, Jennings said, “Nah, I’m good.” He skipped the NCAA, took his talents to Europe, balled out with Virtus Roma, and bagged $1.65 million. Then, in 2009, he hit the NBA draft and landed with the Bucks, setting the stage for today’s young hoopers. Now, Jennings isn’t shy about it. He’s letting the world know he paved the way.
On the podcast, Jennings didn’t hold back. “Everybody is getting paid today because of me… Don’t do that sh*t.” Man, he just killed two birds with one stone. Not only did he shut down Teague and Ty’s wild claims, but he also reminded everyone that his impact goes way beyond a two-time NBA champ’s resume.
Brandon Jennings skipped college and now he’s the reason Athletes are cashing in
Now if you have the question in mind, how does skipping college make Brandon Jennings responsible for today’s NIL deals? Simple, he sent a message to the league: if you want top high school talent to stick around, you better pay up. See, the one-year rule wasn’t for the players, it was for the NBA and NCAA. Scouts didn’t have to risk whiffing on the next Kobe, LeBron, or Dwight straight out of high school. Meanwhile, the NCAA got to milk a full season of star power, filling arenas and boosting D1 programs.
But Jennings? Man, he flipped the whole system. “You guys work hard your whole life… they make so much money off you,” he told young athletes. He’s spent years defending his decision, and now, he’s all about telling college stars to look out for themselves first.
And guess what? NIL deals? They’re basically the NCAA’s way of stopping another Jennings situation. Bronny won’t be making LeBron-level money overnight. But NIL cash keeps them good. And Jennings? He loves it.
Brandon Jennings changed the system. Back in 2008, he took a risk, skipped college, and proved you didn’t need the NCAA to make it to the NBA. Today, young stars like Bronny James are making millions before they even hit the draft. But when Jeff Teague and Ty Lawson question his legacy, they ignore the bigger picture. Jennings wasn’t waiting for a “killer” teammate, he was building a blueprint. And now, every college athlete cashing NIL checks is proof that he got it right.
The post Owning $1.67B NIL Boom, Brandon Jennings Fires Back at Jeff Teague & Co. After Mastermind’s Genius Stroke appeared first on EssentiallySports.
