“Thanasis Did Have to Pay”: LeBron-Bronny James Saga Triggers Heated Debate in NBA World

ESPN’s latest projections for the 2024 NBA Draft has created a massive controversy, with both Bronny and LeBron James at the center of the debate. ESPN has projected Bronny to be a second-round draft pick in the 2025 NBA Draft rather than the 2024 NBA Draft. It would be an understatement to suggest that this take by ESPN has divided opinions in the basketball community.

Several fans and analysts believe that ESPN’s projections hold some truth, as Bronny is currently averaging 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game this season. However, there’s another section of fans who believe that ESPN has significantly downplayed Bronny’s talents and abilities. LeBron James falls into the latter category. In a now deleted Tweet, LeBron wrote, “Can y’all please just let the kid be a kid and enjoy college basketball. The work and results will ultimately do the talking no matter what he decides to do. If y’all don’t know he doesn’t care what a mock draft says, he just WORKS! Earned Not Given!”

However, LeBron isn’t the only NBA player to get involved in this raging discourse. Somehow, the name of Milwaukee Bucks’ forward and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s elder brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, has also popped up.

Fans compare Thanasis Antetokounmpo to Bronny

The fallout from ESPN’s controversial 2024 Draft projections was swift. Several fans and analysts think that ESPN has been harsh with their projection. Some fans even argued that Bronny is a superior player compared to NBA athletes like Thanasis and Killian Hayes. However, on the other end of the spectrum were fans who believed that Thanasis is a much better player than Bronny. A X user by the name of CityHoops wrote, “The thing is Thanasis did have to pay his dues. He was a solid player in EuroLeague. He’s also on the greek national team.”

A fan going by the username of MO stated that Bronny’s ceiling was in high school. He said, “Has nothing to do with bronny…high school was his ceiling.” Another fan wrote, “If you put Thanasis on USC right now he would be their leading scorer. Bronny comes off the bench and averages 5 points.” 

A fan by the username of Cody Crybaby also holds the same sentiments. He wrote, “Thansis washing bronny.” Another fan wrote, “Thananis isn’t having his 2 points in highlights all over ESPN though. Bronny averaging 5 points and they are showing regular layups as a highlight.”

However, some fans came to Bronny’s defense. A fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Thannis is in the league. We can actually just stop all analysis of if Bronny is good enough there.”

A fan going by the username of Stingray held the same viewpoint. They wrote, “He so bad we don’t know how to spell his name.” Another fan wrote, “Like Killian Hayes & Cam reddish have roaster spots and ppl questioning if Bronny can make it.” Another fan agreed with Stingray’s opinion, writing, “Spot on.”

What are your thoughts? Is Bronny better than Thanasis? Let us know in the comments below!

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