In a recent interview, NBA player Austin Rivers shared his apprehensions regarding the possibility of LeBron James’s son, Bronny James, playing on the same NBA team as his father. Rivers, who faced criticism while playing under his father’s coaching, hopes to spare Bronny from similar scrutiny.
Rivers’s Personal Experience
Rivers, the son of former NBA All-Star Glenn “Doc” Rivers, recounted his own experiences of facing accusations of nepotism during his NBA career. He highlighted the challenges he encountered, particularly when he played under his father’s coaching with the LA Clippers, becoming part of the league’s first father-son coach-player combo.
“I don’t want to see Bronny play with [LeBron]… Him getting drafted & playing with his dad, I don’t want that negativity to come his way. He doesn’t deserve it… [He needs to] play somewhere where he can niche out his own identity.”
– Austin Riverspic.twitter.com/GwBK2C4GOl
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2024
Empathy for Bronny
Expressing empathy for Bronny, Rivers emphasized that he does not want the young player to endure unwarranted negativity due to his family connections. He recalled how his own accomplishments were discredited, with people attributing his NBA success solely to his father’s influence.
Bronny’s Potential NBA Journey
Bronny James, currently playing college basketball for the USC Trojans, could potentially enter the NBA draft after just one season in college. However, Rivers believes that Bronny, despite being a talented player, is not yet a top-tier talent deserving of a high draft pick. He expressed hope that Bronny would be able to establish his own identity and carve out his own path in the NBA.
Desire for Bronny’s Independence
Acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding Bronny, including his famous father and the close proximity of their respective teams (Bronny at USC and LeBron with the Lakers). Rivers voiced his desire for Bronny to play elsewhere to escape the overwhelming association with his father.
LeBron’s Aspiration
LeBron James has previously expressed his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, even if only for a single season. However, Rivers hopes that Bronny will have the opportunity to build his own legacy separate from his father’s immense basketball legacy.
As Bronny continues his basketball journey, the spotlight remains on him, with many eagerly awaiting his potential entry into the NBA and the unique dynamics that could unfold if he ends up playing alongside his father. Rivers’s concerns shed light on the complexities of navigating family ties and professional sports careers in the NBA.
Austin Rivers says Bronny James shouldn’t play on the same NBA team as his dad Lebron James
— Wiztohfem Og (@wiztohfem) February 6, 2024
Comments