The Bronny James discussion. Due to his last name, the microscope was always going to be intense on Bronny. However, just how deep it would get was something no one could have seen coming. Since talk of him joining the USC Trojans, the spotlight has been squarely on the young man. And with each step forward, that spotlight seems to get brighter, especially since being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Talk of his depleted stats post-cardiac arrest was the talk of the town. Then, when rumors of his placement as a late second-round pick came to the forefront, the same conversations became commonplace. Debates about his credibility and competence came into the limelight. Even his draft placement became a topic of intense discussion, with many people betting him to go No. 1 overall, a decidedly exaggerated opinion.
As we know, eventually, the eldest son of LeBron James fell to the Los Angeles Lakers at 55. However, the discussions haven’t slowed down one bit. Instead, that interest was ever present at the Summer League as well. Typically a quiet period in the basketball calendar, folks’ eyes were gravitating toward the 19-year-old. As a result, many sports books even had to issue betting odds for in-game performances for the former Trojan.
The Los Angeles Lakers had a good run at the Summer League. However, for their final game, the 7th of the season, the team made a point to keep Bronny on the DNP list. The decision-makers and coaches alike were sure about what they had seen so far and did not want to risk injury before the season.
What is the verdict on Bronny James after the Summer League?
The Bad: A few verdicts have become clear on the 6-foot-1 rookie. The first is the offense. Through 6 games, it became clear to anyone watching that James’ offensive game wasn’t up to par. Further, even the staunchest supporters would agree that it would take quite a while before Bronny could become a genuine contributor at the NBA level As a scorer, his game was largely unimpressive, and doubly so in the first four games.
During that stint, the youngster went 7-for-31 from the field, for just above 25% from the field. His 3-point shooting, seen as a positive, was abysmal as well. In those games, he could not find the net on a single attempt from distance, despite 15 tries. But, there is clear room to grow and the process may have already begun.
The Good: The second takeaway that is abundantly clear is that there is a clear direction in mind for the youngster. After that horrific start, James was as close to sensational as can be in the Summer League. Going for 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, his distance shooting came around as well, as he went 3 for 8 from long range. In particular, Lakers summer league coach Dane Johnson was left impressed.
“He had two pretty good games last two. I think it’s just going to help him going into the summer so we can work on different things with him. Just that confidence and knowing he can play at this level. It’s still going to take a lot of time and a lot of reps.” That elevation in his game is a clear sign of progress for the player and certainly puts to bed any concern that the management may have. The praise for Bronny from all sources was clear. Immediately, his character and work ethic stood out to most.
“In general, he doesn’t let any of that stuff get to him. He just wants to play basketball and be on a team, he’s a good kid, he’s listening, he’s trying to learn. I think right now he’s more of a [shooting guard], but I think he could be a combo-ish. He picks up stuff really well. We throw stuff at him — plays, coverages, defensively. He kind of picks it up really quick, so I think he could potentially be [a point guard]. Maybe we’ll work on that in the summer, but I think right now being that secondary playmaker is kind of where he’s at right now.”
The Best: Just as the offensive game looks hard to work through, the defense is equally as impressive. Through the 6 games, Bronny’s feel for the game was immaculate, and the presence was hard to miss on the defensive side of the ball. In particular, his spatial awareness, and ability to play the passing lanes, while also remaining in front of the ball were a sight for sore eyes. Throughout the game, his commitment to defense remains commendable.
It is that mantra that he needs to continue to work with. While not working as a true PG, his ability as a 3-and-D playmaker, in the vein of Derrick White as he himself alluded to, might be the perfect recipe for him. The only doubt in that scenario remains his build. While his strength and body look NBA ready, at 6-foot-1, it is a hard press to buy James as a real threat to NBA-caliber players.
It is clear that the Lakers are taking a patient approach with the kid. Head coach JJ Redick was clear in stating that the majority of his rookie season would come in the G-League rather than with the official roster. As a result, it might be a completely different version of Bronny that we get by the time he takes an NBA floor.
However, the conversations are never-ending. Recently, reports of his status as the highest betted rookie for the Rookie of the Year award made the rounds. At face value, it sounds like a ridiculous notion. But, with the notoriety that the James name brings, it isn’t unfathomable why some people might buy stock in a historical upset.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
Most Popular
Comments / 0