Bronny James, LeBron James’ eldest son and the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been under intense public scrutiny regarding his mental state and performance since entering the league. Speaking on the heightened pressure young athletes face, Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA veteran Carmelo Anthony, shared insights on Bronny’s experience amid this relentless criticism. This conversation highlights the ongoing challenges that legacy players endure as they navigate their careers under the spotlight.
Examining the Pressure Faced by Bronny James
Bronny James has faced unprecedented levels of attention largely because of his lineage and the high expectations that come with being LeBron James’ son. Struggling through a rookie season in which he averaged just 2.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists on 31.3% shooting, Bronny has found himself a frequent target of harsh critiques on social media and beyond. The criticism often questions his abilities and unfairly diminishes his potential simply on the basis that he is a star’s offspring.
These pressures echo the challenges faced by other legacy athletes, including Shedeur Sanders, quarterback son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Despite entering the 2025 NFL Draft as a top prospect, Shedeur was selected much later than anticipated, sparking widespread comparisons between the two young athletes. This dynamic perpetuates a tough environment where scrutiny is a constant, regardless of their actual performance or effort.
Kiyan Anthony Offers Support and Understanding
During a recent podcast episode of “7 PM in Brooklyn,” hosted by Carmelo Anthony, Kiyan Anthony was asked about Bronny James and the mental toll public scrutiny can take. Kiyan emphasized the uniqueness of each young athlete’s journey, stating,
“I feel like as soon as whoever’s talking tries to connect the two, that’s when it gets messed up because it’s a new generation—two totally different people, even though that might be your kid. Y’all are both going through different things.”
—Kiyan Anthony, Son of Carmelo Anthony
He expressed empathy for Bronny, acknowledging the quiet struggle that often goes unseen:
I kind of felt bad for him because that’s my guy. So, just seeing, he doesn’t speak a lot. He’s not going to go on the internet and say what he has to say. But deep down, behind closed doors, he probably was going through it,
and added,
You’re seeing this every day. You’re on social media. You can’t even scroll twice without seeing a post with your name on it. So it’s like—yeah. And he probably talks to his pops about it, but at the end of the day, he’s nice, that boy.
—Kiyan Anthony, Son of Carmelo Anthony
Kiyan also pushed back against the narrative that Bronny is in the NBA merely because of his father’s legacy. He stated,
People are trying to say he’s not good or he’s just there for his pops. I think he’s really nice, and I think he really has a chance to prosper in the NBA. But they’re trying to get to him for him to get it in his first year.
—Kiyan Anthony, Son of Carmelo Anthony
Kiyan’s remarks demonstrate a protective stance and a broader understanding of the difficulties rookies face, especially when their growth is scrutinized more aggressively due to family legacy.
Rookie Struggles Highlighted as Part of Bronny’s Growth
Bronny James’ challenging rookie season cannot be seen simply as a failure but rather as part of the development process every new player endures. Kiyan Anthony’s view reflects this understanding, as he encourages patience with Bronny’s progress. It is typical for rookies to take time to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NBA, and Bronny’s modest statistics in his first year are not uncommon for young players who are still finding their footing.
Beyond statistics, the intensity of public scrutiny magnifies the challenges Bronny faces, making his journey not just a physical battle but a mental one as well. The frequent comparisons to his father, coupled with millions of eyes watching every move, create a unique kind of pressure that tests his resilience.
The Broader Impact of Legacy Kids Facing Public Scrutiny
The experiences of Bronny James and Shedeur Sanders have brought attention to how the children of sports legends handle the intense glare of public opinion. Both have admired in their own right but also carry the burden of expectations linked to their fathers’ legacies. Their struggles and successes provide lessons for younger athletes and aspiring prospects who watch them navigate these challenges.
Rutgers’ standout and 2025 NBA Draft’s 2nd overall pick Dylan Harper, who appeared on the same podcast with Kiyan, reflected on these pressures and their generational implications. Harper recognized the continuous nature of scrutiny regardless of one’s actions and shared,
Just learning, I think. Learn how to carry yourself, go about certain things. By the end of the day, everyone’s their own person. So Bronny—he ain’t the most out-loud spoken guy. Shedeur—very quiet, but he still gets the same backlash that Bronny gets.
—Dylan Harper, NBA Prospect
He added,
So at the end of the day, you’re still going to get the backlash no matter what you do, whether it’s right, wrong, or anything else. Just having that mindset that we’re the next generation of these superstar kids, and there’s always going to be a spotlight on us no matter what; just going with that mindset. Just being you, honestly; just being me.
—Dylan Harper, NBA Prospect
These remarks underscore a shared experience among legacy athletes, where fame becomes inseparable from criticism, challenging them to maintain self-belief amid external doubts.
Legacy Stars Are Forging Their Own Paths Despite Criticism
Because of their famous last names, Bronny James, Shedeur Sanders, and Dylan Harper must contend not only with opponents on the court but also with relentless external expectations. The public often confuses visibility with entitlement, and confidence with arrogance. Nonetheless, these young athletes are steadily proving that their success is not guaranteed by heritage but earned through dedication and perseverance.
Kiyan Anthony’s reflections on Bronny’s mental state amid NBA scrutiny emphasize the importance of recognizing the human side of professional athletes, especially those growing up with additional pressures. Their journeys highlight a shift in how younger generations of players handle fame and criticism in an increasingly connected and vocal world.
As Bronny continues to develop his game and mental resilience, observers should allow space for growth rather than quick judgment. His ability to overcome mental strain and perform under pressure will define not only his legacy but also offer inspiration for other young athletes facing similar battles.