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Bronny James joined his father, LeBron, as a Los Angeles Laker after being selected in the second round of the NBA Draft. That selection, as well as what’s transpired after the fact, enraged a number of basketball followers.
Many believe his spot on a professional roster was given, not earned. That includes one 10-year NBA veteran, who recently blasted the league’s all-time leading scorer for an “egregious abuse of power.”
The outlooks on Bronny’s draft stock differed vastly depending on who you asked.
On one hand, the guard averaged less than five points per game during his freshman season at USC. On the other, a cardiac arrest in the preseason and his playing out of position stunted development, with some believing his ceiling to be higher than what was seen at the college level.
Many were surprised to see Bronny James submit his name into the NBA Draft as opposed to gaining one more year of college experience, but when all was said and done, the move paid off.
Was that due to his abilities or his father’s pull? That’s up for debate!
The only team to take a chance was the Lakers, who is famously employ his dad. Still, new head coach JJ Redick insisted that the move was made due to James’s on-court talents, not nepotism.
“I did not give Bronny anything,” he said in his post-draft presser. “Bronny has earned this through hard work… There’s a lot to like about his game… He’s going to have an excellent opportunity to become an NBA player.”
For that reason, Los Angeles signed him to a four-year deal.
The news was surprising given most of those late-second round picks selected near that No. 55 slot landed two-way deals. Bronny, meanwhile, got two years guaranteed, a third partially guaranteed, and an option for Year 4.
Was he deserving of that $7.9M contract?
10-year NBA vet Steven Hunter thinks otherwise!
He eviscerated LeBron James on Instagram after seeing his son land that guaranteed deal.
For those that don’t know… Late second round picks don’t get guarantees (Especially before summer league). Typically, late second round picks don’t get 4-year guaranteed roster spot deals either. This wasn’t earned, I’m sorry… And it’s an egregious abuse of power from LBJ and Rich Paul.
It’s a slap in the face to all of the kids out there who work their a—- off to get to the league. It’s sneaky Hollywood s— like this that turns a lot of people off about LeBron… This is just another example of what they be talking about right when you try to like ’em. This is why most people prefer MJ or Kobe over him because you know at least MJ or Kobe gone be straight shooters…
Trust me, MJ could’ve easily gotten one of his sons in the league if he chose to abuse his power like that… But he didn’t because MJ stands on earned, not given, and he would’ve never gave his son a sense of entitlement which is what LeBron James just did with Bronny…
Not taking anything away from Bronny nor am I upset at Bronny… Just know that this is a manipulation of our league and the integrity of what it truly takes to get there.
-Steven Hunter // Instagram: @s_dot45
Hunter played for five NBA teams between 2001 and 2010 after being drafted 15th overall by the Orlando Magic. He averaged 4.5 points and 3.2 boards across 400 games.
He’s not the first to criticize, though LeBron says Bronny isn’t listening to the negativity. Instead, he’s focused on getting better as a basketball player.
That’s started in the Summer League, where he scored four points on 2-of-9 shooting in his debut. It will be interesting to see how he progresses in his rookie year.