For many years, there have been plenty of NBA players who followed in the footsteps of their fathers, who also played in the league. However, the spotlight on second-generation NBA hoopers has arguably never been brighter now that LeBron James and Bronny have made history by sharing the court .
There are also other up-and-coming prospects with dads who made a good living in the Association, including Kiyan Anthony, Alijah Arenas, and Dylan Harper. Rich Paul recently discussed the pros and cons of holding such a status in an appearance on Carmelo Anthony 's podcast. But the Klutch Sports Group founder wants people to see these youngsters in a different light.
"It's also a beautiful thing to see them loving the game, to see them really loving the game," Paul said . "They (pointing to Melo) had to play for money, right? They had to play to get out. ... These kids today, his son (Kiyan), Bryce, Bronny, they don't. They're playing because they love the game, and that's what I think we should keep the focus on."
"That's what's admirable because, you see, a lot of our youth is crashing out today. A lot of our youth, they don't care about life no more," he added.
The next wave of stars?
The reason the second-generation NBA players and prospects were discussed is that the arrival of more such athletes could eventually make the NBA a legacy sport like Major League Baseball. Interestingly, there are more than 100 past and present MLB players whose fathers also suited up in the league. In fact, there have already been seven third-generation players.
It appears the NBA could be on its way there, and that may not be such a bad thing. As Paul and Carmelo pointed out, there are advantages to being in such a situation, including learning the trade secrets early on in their careers and not being "micromanaged" by people with their own agendas. Of course, there are also disadvantages to it, such as having big shoes to fill.
Perhaps one of the most impactful benefits of being born to a parent who suited up in the NBA is that they can just focus on playing for the love of the game. And Paul seemingly wants folks to remember that when discussing the youngsters.
Related: "It kind of f****** me up" - Derrick Rose says he felt tricked after seeing Kobe Bryant relax
A shot at Bronny critics?
It's also worth noting that Paul may have used the conversation to send a message to the detractors who have blasted LeBron and Bronny for using their connection to have the Los Angeles Lakers draft the 19-year-old with the 55th overall pick earlier this summer.
The longtime agent has insisted that one of his youngest clients is now in the NBA because he deserves it and not just because of nepotism.
Still, that hasn't stopped people from carping at the Lakers, Klutch, or the father-and-son duo. Paul wants such a narrative gone, dishing out a reminder that Bronny is in the industry despite likely having other options in life because it's his desire to play basketball at the professional level.
Related: "I really don't think the Lakers are serious anymore" - DeMarcus Cousins thinks the Lakers aren't playing to win the title this season after drafting Bronny James
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