As the Los Angeles Lakers plan to develop Bronny James, head coach JJ Redick had a lightbulb go off during the Canada vs. USA Olympics exhibition.
Redick believes James could eventually develop into someone of the capacity of Lu Dort, who’s been one of the best perimeter defenders in the league since his arrival in 2019.
Redick revealed the comparison in an interview with Sirius XM Radio.
“We were at the Canada-USA basketball exhibition game,” Redick said. “And I turned to one of our assistant coaches during the game. And I said, ‘I think Lu Dort just single-handedly broke up the eighth possession of the game.'”
This has been common for Dort over the years with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s been their top POA defender for four seasons. He worked his way from an undrafted rookie to a hefty extension.
“Like, his impact. You can’t get into your offense,” Redick said. “Sometimes, the shot clock winds down because of his ball pressure. He literally blows up entire plays because of that pressure. And I really believe this. Bronny will eventually be that guy.”
JJ Redick believes Bronny James will eventually develop into someone like Lu Dort
pic.twitter.com/uINtKWHOTE— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) July 16, 2024
Many critics scoffed when James was drafted with the No. 55 pick of the 2024 NBA draft. He came off the bench for a poor USC squad. It was believed the 19-year-old was added because of his father LeBron James — a clear sign of nepotism.
Those critics have turned louder following his subpar play in the summer league. He’s undersized at 6-foot-1 and has yet to register an outside shot against pseudo-NBA talent.
It’s an unfair comparison towards Dort, who was a much more accomplished collegiate player at Arizona State. After going undrafted, he finished his rookie campaign as a playoff starter matched against James Harden.
If James turned into Dort, that’s the best — and a tad unrealistic — outcome. This feels like a coach vouching for one of his players. Redick came under fire recently for stating James earned his way into an NBA roster.
With that said, there are other ways to campaign for James that don’t involve unfair comparisons. What Redick said just sets the 19-year-old for more ridicule.
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