The drafting of Bronny James created some controversy. Many felt he hadn’t earned his name and was conveniently directed to the Los Angeles Lakers by his agent, Rich Paul. The 19-year-old’s singular season with USC was derailed because of a cardiac arrest episode during a practice session last year. That’s why Bronny could never deliver on his expectations. But many have the misconception that the basketball prodigy isn’t worthy to play in the NBA. That isn’t necessarily true.

On the Odd Couple podcast, Chris Broussard and Rob Parker assessed Bronny James’ NBA fit and his viability in the league. While speaking of the teenager, Broussard remembered watching a high school game of his. “He stood out,” he admitted to Parker while claiming Bronny James has supreme control over his own pace and intensity.

“I’ve watched Bronny to some degree. He does have the smarts, maybe not to the degree of his dad, but he clearly has high basketball IQ when you watch him. Just the feel for the game, man. If you watch him, just his feel for the game. Knowing when to make passes, not forcing the issue. I mean, some people think he needs to force it more, I don’t,” Broussard said in his assessment of the prospect.

Broussard is swooned, but to a controlled degree. He doesn’t see Bronny James as a remarkable NBA star yet. In that sense, he recalled the night he watched a young Kyrie Irving at the McDonald’s All-American game and spoke with reverence about him to his own father.

“Obviously, he’s not Kyrie Irving. I remember seeing Kyrie Irving in high school at an All-American game in New York. And they had all the big names in the country there. Austin Rivers was there who was more highly talented than Kyrie. And I was talking to Kyrie’s dad on the phone because, you know, they’re in the same area. We living in Jersey. And I was telling him man Kyrie, clearly he is standing out amongst all these guys. He’s in control,” the veteran analyst shared.

A high-profile prospect or not, Bronny James doesn’t seem to have his NBA path simply carved by LeBron James. The prodigy has an incredible work ethic as experienced firsthand by Rob Pelinka and he possesses skills that are in high demand in the NBA. If he can polish his game and inch closer to a Jrue Holiday-like player, Bronny could be the crown jewel of this draft class.

Not many were like Kyrie Irving

Not many basketball players have arrived in the NBA that boast the skills of Kyrie Irving. He was also unique and mystifying for many reasons. As an undersized guard, KAI didn’t have great athleticism or searing speed. However, he was a magician with the ball at his fingertips. His cunning dribbles floored his peers in high school. Winning the Gatorade Player of The Year in New Jersey, scouts were in awe.

At the McDonald’s All-American Game, Irving scored 13 points on 5 for 8 shooting for the game. His contributions weren’t great, but his finesse compelled scouts to keep watching. He would eventually land at Duke, where he only played in 11 games due to a toe injury that sidelined him for 26 games.

Irving averaged  17.5 points and 4.3 assists in his time under Coach K. The limited show, though, had the whole country raving about the next great NBA star. His injury-laden season didn’t stop the Cavaliers from drafting him first overall in the 2011 NBA draft. He would instantly become the focal point of the Cavaliers squad before LeBron James eventually returned in 2014. As a star tandem, Irving would reach the NBA Finals for three consecutive seasons including a championship in 2016 beating the record-breaking Warriors at the time.

Now Bronny James has the chance to win a championship with his father. It’s the first time a father-son has even been teammates. Imagine the enormity of the moment if they can lift a Larry O’Brien together. Do you think the Lakers have a fit enough roster to compete for a title? Let us know your views in the comments below.