Kwame Brown was born on March 10, 1982, in Charleston, South Carolina.1 He attended Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, where he established himself as a dominant high school basketball player. Brown finished his prep career as Glynn Academy's all-time leader in rebounds (1,235) and blocked shots (605), while also ranking second in scoring with 1,539 points.23 As a senior, he averaged 20.1 points, 13.3 rebounds, 5.8 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game, leading his team to the state semifinals.2 Brown earned numerous accolades, including being named Georgia's "High School Player of the Year," a McDonald's All-American, and a Parade All-American.3 His impressive high school achievements made him the top-rated player in his class and a highly sought-after prospect heading into the 2001 NBA Draft.23

On June 27, 2001, Kwame Brown made history by becoming the first player to be selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft straight out of high school.1 The Washington Wizards, led by team president Michael Jordan, chose Brown with the top pick, hoping he would develop into a franchise cornerstone.1 Brown's selection marked a significant milestone, as he was the first of only three players to be drafted first overall directly from high school before the NBA implemented age restrictions in 2005, with the others being LeBron James (2003) and Dwight Howard (2004).1

Kwame Brown's tenure with the Washington Wizards was marked by inconsistency and unfulfilled expectations. Originally committed to play for the University of Florida, Brown instead declared for the 2001 NBA Draft, where the Wizards selected him first overall.1 Despite reported confidence from Brown during pre-draft workouts, his rookie season was underwhelming, averaging just 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.1

Over the next two seasons, Brown showed improvement, increasing his averages to 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in his second year, and posting career-highs of 10.9 points and 7.4 rebounds in his third season, including a 30-point, 19-rebound performance against the Sacramento Kings.1 However, after rejecting a five-year, $30 million contract extension, Brown's fourth season was marred by injuries, limiting him to 42 games and 7.0 points per game.1 Late in the season, Brown's relationship with the Wizards deteriorated, as he feuded with teammate Gilbert Arenas, other players, and head coach Eddie Jordan.1

After retiring from the NBA, Kwame Brown attempted a comeback in 2017 by joining the BIG3, a 3-on-3 basketball league featuring former NBA players. Brown was selected fifth overall in the inaugural BIG3 draft by the 3 Headed Monsters.1 The team made it to the championship game but ultimately lost to Trilogy 51-46.1

Off the court, Brown faced various legal and financial challenges. In 2003, he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated near his hometown of Brunswick, Georgia.1 In 2007, Brown was arrested in Georgia again and charged with disorderly conduct and interference with a law enforcement officer after an incident in which the driver of a car he was a passenger in was arrested for driving drunk with a suspended license.1

In 2018, Brown filed a lawsuit against financial firm Merrill Lynch, alleging they stole $17.4 million from him by forging his signature on various documents that allowed a financial adviser to make investments and trades without his approval.2 When Brown requested information about his investments in 2017, he was told he had no money with Merrill Lynch, according to the complaint.2 Over his NBA career, Brown had earned nearly $64 million in salary.2