How many No.55 draft picks in NBA history do you remember? I bet the answer is not too many, or maybe not even one. Well, when it’s all said and done, Bronny James might go down as the most famous 55 overall pick in history, regardless of how his career pans out. With that potential and maybe because of his father LeBron James, Bronny has managed to bag a four-year $7.9 million deal with the Lakers. And that is a significantly larger number than what arguably the greatest 55 pick ever earned during his initial years on his first team.

Yes, we are talking about none other than former NBA Champion Patty Mills. Although Patty was drafted at the same spot as Bronny back in 2009, he was not fortunate enough to earn a lucrative deal like him right away. In fact, there was no guarantee that he would even play beyond his rookie season as his first contract was a one-year $457,588 deal with the Trail Blazers.

Despite him playing just 10 games with a 2.6 points average, Mills managed to earn a second contract with a 1-year deal. But this time, his deal only guaranteed him $937,195. And then the unfortunate happened. His run with the Blazers ended as soon as it began, and he later joined the Spurs’ cause with a major reduction in his earnings. In San Antonio, he signed a 1-year contract worth $261,829.

To be honest, comparing Bronny to Mills isn’t quite the right thing to do. The latter’s future in the league wasn’t as secure as people thought it would be. He fell short of $6.5 million in his first contract, put side to side with Bronny’s rookie contract. And after just three seasons, Mills was able to cross the million mark after a 2-year extension with the Spurs worth $2.2 million.

How Patty Mills changed his fate over time

In contrast to Patty Mills, Bronny got a pretty massive boost right at the beginning of his career. Call it being LeBron James’ son, nepotism, or sheer luck, he still has a lucrative deal to his name. But James Jr. would have to work really hard to have a career as successful as Mills being the #55th pick this year.

Mills stood like the calm in a storm, slowly catapulting to prove his worth in the league, and becoming a key part of the Spurs later. He’s impressed everyone with his skills, especially when the Spurs were able to beat a LeBron James-led Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals. Maiden title winner, Mills averaged 7.3 points, which isn’t that bad for a late second-round pick.

And his patience became his virtue when after this win, he was awarded with a $13 million extension for 3 years. This was the biggest deal of his career so far. Things only got better for him after this. He quickly became one of the most productive players in the league for 15 years, straight, earning $82 million in those years. All odds were in his favor after this, since he became the greatest 55th pick in the league’s history.

The sheer comparison of Mills and Bronny can’t be made without talking about their frame. Well, as it turns out, Mills’ frame was similar to what Bronny’s is now. His role as a Lakers’ rookie was perfect making him a successful player overall. So, the question is: Will Bronny be able to achieve another 55th draft pick’s greatness?

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.