Kiyan Anthony, son of Carmelo Anthony, recently voiced strong support for Bronny James regarding his prospects in professional basketball. The comments came during a discussion about the challenges faced by athletes with famous parents, highlighting Bronny James’ NBA potential despite facing widespread scrutiny.
Kiyan Anthony Highlights the Pressure on Sons of Basketball Legends
During a Thursday episode of the podcast 7PM in Brooklyn, Kiyan Anthony appeared alongside co-hosts Carmelo Anthony and Kazeem Famuyide, with special guest Dylan Harper, a Rutgers guard recently drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. The conversation turned to how young athletes with prominent fathers must deal with public expectations and criticism as they aim to establish their own legacy.
Famuyide referenced situations involving well-known athletes like Shedeur Sanders in football and Bronny James in basketball, emphasizing the difficulty these players encounter in carving out their own identities. Anthony addressed how comparisons between generations often complicate perceptions of these young talents.
Regarding Bronny James, Kiyan Anthony said,
“So like, Bronny — I kind of felt bad for him, ’cause that’s my guy,” Anthony said (Timestamp: 53:50). “He doesn’t speak a lot. He’s not going to go on the internet and say what he’s got to say. But like, deep down, behind closed doors, he probably was going through it.”
” …And he probably talked to his pops about it. But at the end of the day, he’s nice at ball. He’s not like — people trying to say he’s not good or he’s just there ’cause of his pops. I think he’s really nice, and I think he really has a chance to prosper in the NBA.”
Anthony urged patience for rookies entering the NBA, explaining that they require time to adapt before facing harsh critiques, reinforcing his belief in Bronny James’ talent and future potential in the league.
Kiyan Anthony Joins Syracuse for Preseason Training Ahead of His Freshman Year
Apart from lending support to Bronny James, Kiyan Anthony is preparing to begin his college basketball career at Syracuse University, his father’s alma mater. Having committed last November over offers from USC, Florida State, and Rutgers, Anthony is part of a highly ranked 2025 recruiting class for Syracuse.
He arrived on campus recently to begin summer workouts with the Orange, joining fellow newcomers including Oregon State transfer Nate Kingz and Georgia Tech’s Naithan George. The Syracuse basketball team is eager for a turnaround after finishing last season with a disappointing 14-19 record.
Coach Adrian Autry expressed optimism that the addition of Anthony and other recruits will help improve the team’s performance in the upcoming season, putting faith in their ability to contribute meaningfully.
Implications for Bronny James and the NBA Landscape
Kiyan Anthony’s remarks underscore the difficult path that Bronny James and similar athletes must navigate, balancing public expectations with their own growth. His defense of Bronny’s skills and mental resilience highlights that the younger generation of players, even those with famous fathers, deserve an unbiased chance to prove themselves.
As Bronny James continues his journey toward a professional career, voices like Kiyan Anthony’s remind fans and critics alike to allow emerging talents room to develop within the NBA. With increasing scrutiny on second-generation players, this perspective may influence how future prospects are viewed both on and off the court.