“He didn’t earn his way here!” – Bronny James faces unprecedented pressure in NBA debut, says Ric Bucher

As the first father-son duo in NBA history, Bronny will face scrutiny and skepticism from players and fans alike.

“He didn’t earn his way here!” – Bronny James faces unprecedented pressure in NBA debut, says Ric Bucher

Bronny James

Ric Bucher believes that Bronny James is under the most pressure any incoming player has ever faced in the NBA. The perception that Bronny doesn’t deserve to be in the league, combined with his father LeBron James’s praise, has put immense pressure on the young player. 

Bucher notes that Bronny James is the first player to face criticism for allegedly not earning his spot in the league, with many attributing his draft selection to his father’s influence. He also points out that LBJ’s comments last year, where he said Bronny was already better than some of his teammates, have added to the pressure. 

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I’m not sure that there’s ever been more pressure on any player coming into the NBA than there is on Bronny James. Because I cannot recall of a player that came into the league where people were saying uniformly ‘he doesn’t deserve to be in the league’. He didn’t earn his way here.
Ric Bucher said on FS1’s ‘Speak’

Bronny will be playing with some of those same teammates, making the situation even more challenging. As the first father-son duo in NBA history, Bronny will face scrutiny and skepticism from players and fans alike.

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Despite being considered a great kid, Bronny will face targets on his back from players eager to show him that he doesn’t belong in the league. And he’d start by demonstrating his ability to step up once the NBA Summer League begins, which he is headlining despite not being among the first-round picks. 

Dwyane Wade defends god son Bronny James

Dwyane Wade, former Miami Heat guard, came to the defense of Bronny James on the TODAY show, saying the young player has earned his spot in the NBA through hard work. Wade dismissed critics who claim Bronny was only drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers due to his father LeBron James’ influence.

I think that a lot of people don't have a chance to see the work that athletes put in. They haven't seen Bronny James get up at 5:00 in the morning to go live his dream out and put in the work behind the scenes.
Dwyane Wade said on the TODAY show

Wade emphasized the importance of putting in the work behind the scenes, saying that many people don’t get to see the dedication and effort athletes like Bronny put in. He advised Bronny to block out the criticism and focus on his game, just as his father LeBron James has done throughout his career.

Wade expressed his excitement about the historic moment when Bronny and LBJ took the court together, calling it one of the greatest events in NBA history. He praised LeBron’s incredible contributions to the game and fondly remembered the day Bronny was born, marveling at how far he’s come.

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