76ers star Paul George gets very real on the Bronny James situation

Amid commotion from fans, 76ers star Paul George made sure to address the Bronny James situation.
Bronny James
Bronny James / Christian Petersen/GettyImages
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The Philadelphia 76ers irking the NBA may have been a featured headline in recent days, but the team is far from alone in that fussy spectacle. The opening week of the 2024-25 season has been eventful to say the least, and one situation that has definitely been memorable is LeBron James making history by sharing the same court with his son, Bronny James.

The Jameses being the first father-son duo to grace the NBA hardwood is an extraordinary feat that warrants the kind of attention it got. However, while many praised the noteworthy bit, equally many fans and even pundits went on to hurl mud at how it came to be — that it felt forced, sprouted inorganically, and perhaps a by-product of nepotism to the highest degree.

Not a lot of stars in the league have seriously talked about the matter, but 76ers ace Paul George addressed the situation in his latest podcast episode.

76ers’ Paul George gets real about Bronny James

Amid all these social media caucuses and frenzied memes since the younger James was drafted by the Lakers late in the second round during this year’s draft, George offered a candid insight on the still-rampant turn of events around the Jameses.

This is a kid who’s trying to find his way in the NBA and trying to live out his dreams. No one starts out perfect at anything; no one looks great right away. He’s trying to find his rhythm while doing something that no one else has ever done—playing with his father, one of the greatest to ever do it. That could be a whole different level of pressure. As good as it is to have his dad along for the journey, only he can speak to what that’s like.

Allegations of influence peddling surrounding Bronny even being in the NBA may hold some water, no matter how menial, but at this point, one cannot blame him for the way life set him up. That’s just the way it is.

However, it’s difficult not to agree with George on this one. Onto the meat of the “issue”, people have levied unrealistic expectations on someone who was drafted 55th overall on the sole basis of him being LeBron’s son.

While probably natural due to his ties, pinning him down to such standards is simply unfair and uncalled for, especially when such players drafted in similar ranges and excelling right away are clear aberrations.

The 76ers star, a nine-time All-Star himself, knows perfectly well how sequential the road to being a productive NBA player is. Paul George was pretty flawed himself when he first suited up for the Pacers. Hopefully, Bronny acclimates to the league with more patience from all parties involved.

And if he doesn’t, the way of the NBA should also work the way it has always been.

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