Rich Paul: “Bronny shouldn’t apologize for who his father is”

Rich Paul, LeBron James’ right-hand man and his representative since he started in the world of basketball, gave an interview to Chris Haynes, from Bleacher Report, in which he talked about the situation of the star’s son, Bronny James, about his future in the draft and the level he currently presents. In addition, he has revealed his answer to one of the most heard questions in the United States: will Bronny sign a two-way contract?

Why won’t Bronny sign a two-way contract?

The two-way contract is a contract that allows you to play in the NBA for a limited number of days (45) and the rest in the G-League. This has already been announced that he is not going to do it with the 19-year-old, and that the teams are aware of the decision. “That is absolutely true. The teams know it. I don’t do that.” That was the reply when they asked him if it was true that he is not in favor of this type of contracts.

Paul adds that he doesn’t get involved in the position that Bronny might occupy in the draft: “Some teams believe that he will go from 20 to 40, others from 30 to 50, and others think he will not be recruited. You only need one team. This is something I do every year during the draft process. This is not Bronny-centric. He’s part of our draft class. I have to help find the right fit for all my guys, as well as the right deal. That’s how I see it,” he continued.

As for the pressure that goes with being the son of a megastar, Paul believes that people’s expectations and social media has influenced this phenomenon, which has even led some people to wish that they would rather see him fail than succeed: “We have to be responsible and understand that in today’s world everyone has a voice. Bronny has done an incredible job handling all of this,” he explained. Those words generate pressure for the teenager because of his father’s success, but in the end, it’s something he is going to have to learn to live with.

Bronny James, mature beyond his years

Bronny’s character and maturity is what most impresses Paul, who does not hesitate to compliment him for it, and states that he would make an excellent teammate: “I think the thing I’m most impressed with is his character. He could easily be the one walking around with a camera crew, the entitlement and all the trinkets. He’s not. He has a tremendous amount of self-awareness. I know for a fact that he’ll be a great teammate and he’ll continue to get better.”

As for Bronny’s famous surname, he stated: “Bronny should not apologize for who his father is.” Underwritten after the criticism received for LeBron’s words that he said he wanted to play for at least a year with his son. And he added that he is not yet at his peak, since he is a boy of only 19 years old: “Is he a finished product? No, nowhere near. Most guys that come in our league aren’t at 18 and 19. If his name was different, would he get a different treatment? Yes, probably so. Some may feel like he’s getting an opportunity because of his father, and I think that’s a very naive logic, especially in America.”

Pressure is something Bronny will have to handle regardless

Bronny must get used to always being in the eye of the storm, since people will always give their opinion - it is not something he can control. If he finally does turn professional, it’s clear that everyone will have an opinion about of his performances, for example: “Under no circumstances should he be given a pass for being who his father is”. He makes these words very clear, since one should not be less critical of him just because he shares a last name with the American basketball king.

Paul concludes that Bronny has hat it takes to become a good professional, and spoke about the speculation that we could see father and son playing together, which he insists is not a priority for him: “Well, LeBron said he wanted to play with his son. Bronny can’t do anything about that. And that’s nothing we should push back on. If he wants to play with his son, that’s that. But again, I have a job to do representing Bronny and LeBron”.

One thing is clear: if LeBron wants to play with his son, he will. What they don’t want is for teams to sign the heir just to attract his father without taking into account his level and his game. Bronny is at a good level, that’s clear, what is not so clear is his future because it is not known what position he will take in draft or even if he would have the opportunity to be chosen.