Being the child of a renowned NBA player often puts you under a microscope. That level of attention only increases if they choose to follow in their parent’s footsteps. A similar situation is being seen transpiring around Bronny James, son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Even though his college basketball career did not have any memorable moments, the 19-year-old recently decided to forego his college eligibility. He will try out his chances in the NBA Draft. Even if the player succeeds in having himself associated with a franchise, a renowned sportscaster believes that Bronny may never come out of his father’s shadow.
Dan Patrick recently released another episode of his long-running show. Devoting an entire segment to discussing Bronny James’ recent decision. The 67-year-old sports commentator highlighted how the player’s prowess has been built up. Several individuals called him out as a great defender and a good shooter. In the end, however, the host highlighted that the same wouldn’t matter. The only thing that matters is where the young star stands in comparison to LeBron James himself.
“He’s Bronny James, and he could be successful in the NBA, and still be a failure to people,” said Dan Patrick. “If he averages, let’s say, 10 points a game, that’d be a failure. Let’s say he played for 10 years, that would be a failure to people”.
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During his time with the University of South Carolina, Bronny could only average 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists within a span of 25 games. Furthermore, having watched a few of the games himself, Dan Patrick highlighted how there were moments when he didn’t even know that Bronny was playing. All of this contributed to his belief that the young player is not yet ready for the NBA. He is only getting this much attention because of his father. He drilled down on his point by referencing six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan, who Dan Patrick had the privilege of covering during the player’s prime days.
“Michael Jordan’s kids, they played in college, but they didn’t play at a high level,” said the host. “If Mike said, ‘Hey, I want to play with one of my sons in the NBA, somebody probably would have made that happen. LeBron has made it his mission that, you know, before he exits stage left he’s going to play with his son in the NBA”.
In this regard, having LeBron James as a father is playing both in favor of Bronny and working against him as well.
Former LA Clippers player believes Bronny James to be a memorable NBA Prospect even without a family name
Dan Patrick’s recent remarks came barely a few days after he played host to 3× NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee Jamal Crawford. He appeared during the same time when Bronny James was participating in the NBA Draft Combine. Impressed with what he saw during the event, the former NBA player was confident that the young star possesses a potential that can help him create his own separate identity.
“I love how he plays… his humility,” said Crawford. “He handles it beautifully, he knows how to play the game. He’s athletic, he can shoot it, and he makes the right play almost every time ……. and then you shoot 25 threes and make 19 of them, I’m watching that. And he’s making the right play.”
During Day 1 of the Combine, Bronny had secured a score of 4 points and 4 rebounds to his name. While it wasn’t anything close to impressive. The 19-year-old made heads turn during the shooting star drill, in which he made 19-25 three-pointer attempts. His performance saw an increase on Day 2, as he successfully scored 13 points within 23 minutes.
Do you believe that Bronny James has the potential to make it in the NBA? Let us know in the comments down below.
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