JJ Redick identified two NBA players Bronny James could emulate
There is a continuing debate about what type of player James will be if and when he makes it in the NBA. He has been projected as an undersized shooting guard or even a 3-and-D player, and many feel his defense is his strong suit. But the 6-foot-3 20-year-old has also shown the ability to attack in transition and create for himself off the dribble.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick came up with two possible players whom James could possibly emulate moving forward, according to an ESPN article.
"Redick points to the 6-2, 205-pound Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat or his friend and former teammate, the 6-1, 190-pound T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers, as examples of the type of game changer James can become," wrote Dave McMenamin.
Mitchell has become not just a strong defender but also a potent 3-point shooter over the last couple of years. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 7.9 points and 4.9 assists a game and made 39.8% of his 3-point attempts.
Many basketball fans are likely familiar with McConnell after the Pacers' run to Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. He has been a spark plug off the bench, and there were times in the championship series where he was arguably more impactful than Tyrese Haliburton.
McConnell has often been a good 3-point shooter, although he struggled in that department during the 2024-25 regular season. His ability to attack off the dribble and penetrate helped Indiana maintain an up-tempo pace throughout the season until it gave out in the final game of the finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Some are predicting that James will crack the Lakers' rotation this coming season. That would be welcome news, especially given the Lakers' lack of serviceable backcourt depth.
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