Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has addressed a viral video in which he seemed to express doubt about Bronny James’ potential success in the NBA.
In a post on X, Brown clarified his stance, emphasizing that James “has all the tools around him to be successful” and that he looks “forward to watching his growth” as a player.
The original video, which spread rapidly online, did not explicitly show Brown discussing James’ NBA prospects. However, the speculation was intense enough that Brown felt the need to publicly respond to clear up any misunderstandings.
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Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, has faced significant scrutiny regarding his future in professional basketball. After a challenging season at USC, his journey has been closely followed, especially following his cardiac arrest during a practice in July 2023.
The incident raised concerns about his health and ability to play, but the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel eventually cleared him for participation in the draft combine in May.
B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman provided an optimistic scouting report, projecting James as a 3-and-D two-guard in the NBA. Wasserman described James as a “secondary ball-handler and spot-up shooter” on offense, with strong defensive capabilities. He highlighted James’ foot speed, strength, IQ, and focus, noting that these attributes made him an excellent defender at the high school and college levels. Wasserman believes James can guard both backcourt positions effectively due to his quickness and toughness.
Despite these strengths, concerns about James’ shooting ability have persisted, particularly after his performance in the Summer League. He struggled significantly, shooting only 21.1 percent from the field on 9.5 attempts per game and missing all 11 of his three-point attempts in two games in Las Vegas.
James has maintained a positive attitude about his role with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming 2024-25 campaign, whether he plays with the main club or in the G League. “I’m just looking forward to any basketball I play, no matter what level I’m playing at,” he told reporters after the Lakers’ 99-80 loss to the Houston Rockets on July 12.
James was selected with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA draft and signed a four-year, $7.9 million contract with the Lakers. As he begins his professional career, managing expectations will be crucial. With the right development and support, James has the potential to become a reliable contributor in the NBA for years to come.
