Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here is detailed information about Jim Brewer:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: James Turner Brewer
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born on December 3, 1951
  • Hometown: Maywood, Illinois, USA
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters)
  • Weight: 210 pounds (95 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters)
  • Shoe Size: Size 18 (US)
  • Number: Wore 52, 42, 40, and 4 during his career
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • High School: Proviso East High School (Maywood, Illinois)
  • College: University of Minnesota (1970–1973)
    • Named First-Team All-Big Ten in 1972 and 1973
  • NBA Draft:
    • 1973 NBA Draft: 1st round, 2nd overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Teams Played For:
    • NBA:
      • Cleveland Cavaliers (1973–1979)
      • Detroit Pistons (1979)
      • Portland Trail Blazers (1979–1980)
      • Los Angeles Lakers (1980–1982)
    • Overseas:
      • Pallacanestro Cantù (Italy)
  • Championship Rings:
    • 1× NBA Champion: 1982 (Los Angeles Lakers)
  • Kids: Information not widely documented
  • Siblings: Ron Brewer (cousin): Played in the NBA from 1978–1986

Jim Brewer’s player archetype was that of a defense-first power forward, an athletic interior worker whose main value came from rebounding, positional toughness, and disruptive frontcourt defense rather than polished shot creation. Defensively, he played the role of a mobile paint enforcer, using his 6-foot-9, 210-pound frame, strength, and timing to contest shots, protect space inside, and do the hard screening-and-rebounding work that winning frontcourts need, which aligned with his two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections. Offensively, Brewer’s role was limited and functional: finish around the basket, crash the glass, and keep possessions alive instead of serving as a featured scorer. His overall style was rugged, low-maintenance, and team-oriented, making him the kind of power forward who supplied energy, defense, and physical edge while letting higher-usage teammates carry the offense. (NBA)

Fun Facts

  • Jim Brewer was known for his defensive abilities, rebounding, and hard-nosed play.
  • He was a member of the 1972 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team, which famously lost the controversial gold medal game to the Soviet Union.
  • Brewer played a key reserve role on the 1982 Lakers championship team.
  • After retiring, he spent time playing in Italy and remained connected to basketball as a mentor and advocate for young players.

Sources:
NBA.com — Jim Brewer | Forward | Cleveland Cavaliers
Basketball-Reference — All-Defensive Selections by Player
University of Minnesota Athletics — Jim Brewer – M Club Hall of Fame
FOX Sports — Cleveland Cavaliers: 25 Best Players To Play For The Cavaliers