"Now, all of a sudden it's a problem": Suns announcer slams outrage over Bronny James' nepotism debate following Lakers draft
The LA Lakers front office's decision to select Bronny James with the 55th pick in this year's draft has caused quite a stir among the fans and the media. This is due to the fact that several people believe that his selection happened simply because of his father.
This has resulted in an outcry from the fans who have been calling out something that they view as nepotism. However, ex-NBA player and current Phoenix Suns color commentator Eddie A. Johnson fired back at these people.
Here is what the Suns' commentator had to say about the Bronny James situation.
"In my lifetime, I have seen hundreds, hundreds of situations where nepotism is involved," Johnson said. "Okay, like, all of a sudden, it's an issue, but all of a sudden America, nepotism is an issue."
Johnson made several examples, citing people who get an opportunity over more deserving individuals simply due to their relations. Without naming names, Johnson said that he's seen this before in the NBA wherein coaches hire their kids.
He also specifically named Giannis Antetokounmpo whom he says secured a spot for his brother on the Milwaukee Bucks.
"I have seen GMs bring their kids up sneakily through video coordinator roles and then rise them up to the top of the chart," Johnson added. "Give me a break. Now, all of a sudden it's a problem,"
Edward Arnett "Eddie" Johnson, the man who defended Bronny James, played in the NBA from 1981-1999. He won the Sixth Man of the Year award with the Phoenix Suns in 1989 which was the only significant personal accolade he got in the NBA.
Also read: NBA Insider shares LeBron James & Savannah James' emotional moments in New York after Bronny James' NBA draft selection - "Weight of the moment"
Adrian Wojnarowski and Stephen A. Smith also share their take regarding Bronny James and the criticism he is receiving
LeBron and Bronny James are the first ever father and son duo to play in the NBA at the same time. If LeBron either picks up his player option or renegotiates a new contract with the Lakers, they'll also become the first-ever duo of this type to play together.
Due to LeBron's status with the Lakers and in the entire NBA, the comments that his son is receiving can be considered as a part of the territory. However, they have found some defenders in the media and that includes Adrian Wojnarowski.
Woj praised Bronny for his work ethic and claimed that the young player has never shown entitlement despite who his father is. He also added that the league is rampant with nepotism at every level.
Woj's co-host Stephen A. Smith agreed with this take, as he claimed that while it is a common practice in the league, no one has taken issue with nepotism until Bronny James came along.
Stephen A. also praised Bronny's resilience and his potential to become a solid NBA player as he gains more experience.
Bronny James will likely spend time on the Lakers bench and in the G-League as JJ Redick figures out how to utilize him and also how to help his development. Bronny will also have a chance to make an impact with a team that has championship aspirations which could benefit his growth.