Jonathan Givony equates Bronny James to notable glue guys in NBA: “Phenomenal role player who impacts winning at the highest level”
While he is still a year away from being draft eligible, Bronny James has been one of the most talked about prospects in the NBA pipeline. The son of LA Lakers star LeBron James was recently put in the top 10 in a mock draft of the 2024 class.
Bronny James is a 6-foot-3 guard with a smooth outside shot and the potential to be well above average on the defensive end. ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony doesn't see him as a star-level player, but one who can do the little things that make good teams great.
"A phenomenal role player who impacts winning at the highest level,” Givony said.
ESPN’s @DraftExpress on Bronny James:
“You’re looking at a De’Anthony Melton, Marcus Smart, best case a Jrue Holiday type player — a phenomenal role player who impacts winning at the highest level.”
(via @ESPNNBA) https://t.co/tnPA3pXAaY
Bronny is finishing his senior year at Sierra Canyon School and hasn't decided what he plans to do next year yet.
Bronny James gets compared to NBA All-Star and former champion
When it comes to upcoming NBA draft prospects, player comparisons are a major tell on someone's potential. Jonathan Givony listed a trio of very solid two-way guys when discussing Bronny James.
The three player comps he gave for LeBron James' oldest son include Marcus Smart, De'Anthony Melton and Jrue Holiday. They might not be flashy names, but all three are key pieces of title contenders right now.
Holiday is the name that sticks out the most. Throughout his career, the two-time All-Star has been widely regarded as one of the most underrated players in the league. What he brings as a defender and facilitator helped turn the Milwaukee Bucks into perrenial title favorites. This season, Holiday is averaging 19.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists.
Since Marcus Smart joined the Boston Celtics, he has been the heart and soul of the roster. While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the stars, Smart is the guy doing the little things to help better the team. On top of that, he was the first backcourt player to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton last season.
De'Anthony Melton started his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, but is now an essential piece to the Philadelphia 76ers. His ability to space the floor and defend at a high level has made him a perfect complement to Joel Embiid and James Harden.
If Bronny James can become any version of these players at the NBA level, he is sure to have a long and successful career in the league.