LeBron James, who is entering his 21st year in the NBA still has some bold aspirations left. He wishes to play alongside his son Bronny James before he leaves the league. While that would be among the greatest feats in sports history, Shaquille O’Neal’s co-host, Kenny Smith, seems to disagree. He even thinks the likelihood of it happening is “improbable”.
Advertisement
Speaking on BigBoyTV, Kenny had more than a few things to reveal about life as an NBA reporter. More than that, he also had a few thoughts about the current affairs in the league.
Smith talks a lot about Shaq and Chuck and life around TNT. But he also makes sure he talks a little about other things such as how LeBron’s son’s chances of making it to the NBA and the unlikelihood of it all. And to be fair, Kenny does have a point!
Kenny Smith says according to statistics Bronny James might not make it to the NBA
Smith uses statistics to explain his take. In a bold and thumping statement, he says, “75 years of basketball Big, there’s only been 5100 players that touch a floor!”
The exclamation and power within that one line are thunderous. Kenny believes that NBA players are unicorns and that not everyone has the privilege of making it to the league.
He continues to elucidate, “So to be waiting on your son to be one of those 5100, that doesn’t even make sense, like, he’s not waiting on his son. He’s wishing his son will make it”.
We think Kenny’s take is very valid. Even now, despite all the signs pointing towards Bronny’s arrival in the league, it is still very much, a toss-up. Till his name is called on by the commissioner Adam Silver, Bronny is still a “prospect”.
Despite Kenny Smith’s predictions, ESPN’s mock drafts still put Bronny in the top 10
According to the last draft update from ESPN, Bronny James was in the top 10 of his class. He has the talent and the skill set to ensure that he gets to the league. However, the big question is whether his talents would translate to the NBA level. Plenty of great college athletes have gone bust for higher and there is no guarantee he will be as good as his father thinks he is.
But there is another factor at play here, this is LeBron James’ son. Even as a 38-year-old, he holds all the cards when it comes to the narrative surrounding the NBA.
The Western Conference Semifinal between LeBron’s Lakers and Steph’s Warriors was the most-watched semifinal series in NBA History. So, he still controls the NBA to a great extent. And more than likely, his wish will get fulfilled.
Bronny too has grown vastly over the year. So, who knows, he might make it through his own merit. Kenny’s points are valid though and soon enough, we might just see Bronny become one of the 5100 players to step foot on an NBA court!
