via Imago
From the time the college season began, Bronny James has been the subject of numerous talk shows. Will he fall to the silhouette of his great NBA father? Can Bronny James be the successor to LeBron James? Will he be an NBA star? Such questions took away from the major premise. He was going to play after recovering from an abrupt cardiac arrest. It was after that very moment that the NBA realm should have known his freshman year wouldn’t go as perceived.
Yet, the debates didn’t stop. The teenager couldn’t produce mind-boggling numbers. He saw a major drop in his rankings, all thanks to ESPN’s mock draft. Analysts began to map his entire career before he had even stepped foot on the NBA court, or at least had any assurance that he would. It drove his father to the edge. “Can y’all please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball? The work and results will ultimately do the talking no matter what he decides to do. If y’all don’t know, he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, he just WORKS! Earned Not Given!” James wrote in a now-deleted outburst on Twitter.
As an aging father, he is bound to protect his son while worrying about his career. The 20-time All-Star has spoken highly of his eldest and even voiced his dream to play alongside him. However, his recent words seemed indicative of his worry. Not because Bronny might not be in the NBA but because he might depreciate because of the workings within an organization.
LeBron James puts his worry in front
The much-awaited episode of Mind the Game, a podcast featuring James and JJ Reddick, was released today. The two basketball ‘nerds’ spoke about the game thoroughly. Passing from era to era, they didn’t leave much for their introductory collaboration. Amongst the many topics were the coaches.
Reddick spoke about how various coaches served as basketball role models in his life. They shaped him as a player, and eventually, he developed an understanding of the game that helped him thrive in the NBA as a spot-up shooter. James concurred with his opinion. In doing so, he revealed something absurd about the teachings in the NBA.
“There’s a lot of bu*****t that gets taught in our league because our league has been feast off potential. Guys with potential… That’s the whole thing of the lottery. The whole thing of the lottery picks 1 – 13. I don’t even know what it is now, when it cuts off like you’ve been a lottery pick. But it makes sense that those guys like 16-30, 16 to 42. Why those guys be on real contending teams making impacts,” James said authoritatively.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say so. Even if we look at the last few years, that has been the case. Last year’s Miami Heat is probably the ideal example. They reached the finals, with their major contributors being undrafted players such as Max Struss, Duncan Robinson, and Gabe Vincent. The current-day Knicks are spearheaded by Jalen Brunson, a second-round pick out of Villanova. Alperen Sengun, another rising big man, was the 16th pick in the 2021 draft.
It’s not just the fact that they are the ‘finds’ of the draft. As the draft progresses, teams tend to get more strategic and align their picks with their team dynamics and culture. Today, some of such players are on the best teams in the NBA, having a winning impact on the game. James gave a special mention to the team in OKC, which has now cultivated a top-seed roster mostly with the help of their draft picks.
He even said that the scouts and experts of these teams are the individuals he would want on his own NBA franchise one day. His tone made it seem like it’s a possible reality to see him run an organization very soon. But did his words conceal concerns for Bronny James?
The case of Bronny James
LeBron James’ words were concise. He called out some behaviors in the league that are unproductive to the development of any basketball player. It’s the reason he credited his coaches earlier in the show – because they instilled the ingenious IQ he has today. The core of any player is how they perceive the game. If given in the wrong hands, it could be detrimental.
Bronny James is a solid player. He can shoot the ball, his instincts are commendable, and he stays active as a defender. Of course, he hasn’t generated nearly the buzz many expected due to his sub-par production for USC. However, if you look at his coach, Andy Enfield, you will see that he sees the 19-year-old as a skilled player who plays the right way.
“He has no ego … Sure, he wants to do well for himself, but he’s all about the team. It’s who he is as a person. He’s the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But when he steps on the court, he’s Bronny—and he’s just one of the guys,” said the Trojans head coach. His influence and trust in Bronny are pivotal to the mental fortitude the teenager will have. So far, even while averaging under 6 points, the Trojans used him in a way that accents his abilities.
The reality is that Bronny James, so far, isn’t bound to be a top pick in the draft. That would mean teams will draft him as a role player adjacent to their needs. Only his case is complex due to the potential of LeBron James wanting to join his team. It’s only a rumor, but it’s tempting for any team that wants to transform or even compete.
USA Today via Reuters
In that sense, LeBron James’ worries are justified. However, Bronny James’ demeanor should eradicate any such concerns. He always put the team first, something his father has done for 21 seasons now. The last name hasn’t obligated him to act and treat himself like a star. Bronny James works for his place within any roster and has earned the success he has achieved.
Whenever he does make it to the NBA, I think he will have the necessary basketball awareness to sense what works and what part of the NBA can be discarded. Additionally, he will always have LeBron James to rely on to get a deep understanding of the game and the league. Bronny James is in good hands so far. Now, all that’s left is for him to break out of the shell and hopefully leap into the NBA like his father did. And then, he controls his destiny!