“They think the product should already come in ready”: Gilbert Arenas believes NBA teams should prepare prospects like Bronny James for the pros
With the 2024 NBA draft right around the corner, anticipation and speculation regarding who lands where is at an all-time high. Among the hot topics is LeBron James' son, Bronny James, with experts and analysts sharing their opinions on his draft prospects.
Lebron and Bronny's agent, Rich Paul, appeared on a recent "Gil's Arena" podcast episode. He joined former NBA star and the show's co-host, Gilbert Arenas, to discuss life as a super agent in the NBA, especially in the lead-up to the NBA Draft.
"When people ask me what I look for in talent, I say how you look at a house, the structure of it. Does it have good bones right? You know with Bronny, speed, IQ, natural jumping ability, shot-making ability right?" Gilbert Arenas said.
"As an organization that's my job to enhance those abilities. I can't enhance your jumping ability, that's genetics. I can't enhance your IQ that's how fast your brain processes information. So I think sometimes people get lazy they think the product should already come in ready when you are paid to make me better." [Time Stamp - 13:44]
The three-time NBA star, Arenas disagreed with the idea that prospects should arrive 'ready-made.' He argued that organizations are important in helping players grow and reach their full potential.
Gilbert Arenas' take on nurturing young players like Stephen Curry
Gilbert Arenas points out how young NBA players are judged these days. Some things, like how high they jump, are based on their genes and cannot be changed. But other things, like how well they shoot, can get better with practice and as they grow up.
The former Golden State Warriors star even reflected on Stephen Curry's NBA journey, saying:
"Kids get hurt because these guys [NBA teams] are the lazy ones right? I don't want to hear that he's a volume shooter, he was a volume shooter, one because of his age. I'm pretty sure no 19-year-old, Curry at 19 shoots the way Curry shoots today. He had to develop the accuracy."
"That takes time and maturity. So when you're looking at a 19-year-old, you're judging for the bone structure of who who he is and I think a a lot of people just they just miss that."
Gilbert Arenas suggested that the teams need to acknowledge this process and allocate resources toward developing players. By actively enhancing players’ abilities, teams can shape future stars of the league.