Despite struggles in the NBA Summer League, renowned trainer Chris Brickley remains optimistic about Bronny James' future in the NBA.
While scouts have expressed doubts about Bronny James' NBA prospects based on his summer league performance, renowned basketball trainer and influencer Chris Brickley believes the young player has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Brickley, who runs the BlackOps Basketball program and has trained LeBron James for years, hosted the father-son duo at his Manhattan gym before the draft. He witnessed firsthand Bronny's skills and is confident in his ability to make it in the NBA.
Bronny James' NBA Prospects: Trainer Chris Brickley Believes He'll Have a Long Career
"I think he's an NBA player. I think he's athletic enough. I think he can shoot it well enough," Brickley said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. "I've seen him work out twice. He shot it as well as a majority of NBA players shoot it. He handles it the same way, as far as ballhandling, NBA players do. His IQ's very good. I think he'll have a long NBA career. I truly, truly believe that."
Brickley acknowledges the challenges Bronny faces being LeBron James' son, particularly the scrutiny and criticism that comes with it. However, he emphasizes that Bronny is his own player with his own abilities.
Bronny James' NBA Prospects: Trainer Chris Brickley Believes He'll Have a Long Career
"At the end of the day, he's an NBA player, and that's all that matters. We've never seen a father and a son be on the same team, so there's definitely gonna be criticism, but that's life," Brickley says.
Brickley also mentions Bronny's cardiac arrest last summer, which he believes had a significant impact on his growth as a player. He suggests that Bronny's freshman year stats should be discounted due to the challenges he faced.
Bronny James' NBA Prospects: Trainer Chris Brickley Believes He'll Have a Long Career
Bronny himself has acknowledged this, telling media after he was drafted that he felt he didn't have an opportunity to truly showcase his abilities last season.
Despite the setbacks, Brickley is impressed with Bronny's mental toughness and his ability to handle negative criticism, which he faces frequently on social media.
"I think it's crazy — any time I turn on my social media, there's someone talking negatively about him, so all the props to Bronny about that," Brickley said.
James is currently averaging 5.0 points in the summer league, but Brickley remains confident that he will improve and eventually prove his worth in the NBA.
"He just needs to play. He just needs an opportunity. I keep saying, this kid's never had an opportunity. I've seen him play. He can play. He can shoot, he can handle, he can defend," Brickley said. "I'm not worried about Bronny. I think he's going to be just fine. They're gonna be surprised."
