Bronny James Can Choose Draft Timing Based on Anthony Edwards’ Jordanesque success, says Gilbert Arenas

Of all the excuses that draft watchers give to bring down Bronny, his age might be the weakest. At 19, he’s younger than others with greater stock in the 2024 NBA draft like Zach Edey. But Gilbert Arenas has a different take. He sees immense development potential while Bronny James is all unadulterated talent. With exposure to the NBA, Arenas thinks in about three years, Bronny will be a whole other monster on the court. His theory is based on what he’s seen three years in the NBA can do to a 19-year-old in the form of Anthony Edwards.

Ant is 22 now and getting compared to Michael Jordan or at least seen as someone who will win the Michael Jordan MVP trophy in the near future. On Gil’s Arena, the 3x All-Star effectively put it. “I’m looking at a 22-year-old in the NBA right now getting compared to Jordan… Antman.”

For context, the panel at Gil’s Arena was debating if 22-year-old Zach Edey should be a lottery pick which turned into a debate about his and Bronny’s ages. There’s a lot said about Bronny entering the draft, some even saying he should stay in college longer. In the case of LeBron James’ son, Arenas believes the earlier the better. “Why would I pick a 22-year-old in the NBA or just coming out of college when this is what this age looks like ’cause there’s no one else to pick,” he said referring to what Ant is doing at 22.

Then 19-year-old Anthony Edwards entered the 2020 NBA draft showing raw potential. The Georgia alum was the first overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Now he’s led the Wolves to a playoffs series win for the first time in 20 years, has been the top scorer in multiple games, and kept the series against the defending champs with the reigning MVP tied at 3-3. With one deciding game away, those MJ comparisons are heating up.

Gilbert Arenas impressed with Bronny’s mentality

On his other show, Arenas spoke to Bronny while he was in the draft combine. He praised the teen for keeping a level head amid all the pressure. Per Agent Zero’s evaluation, Bronny is keeping realistic expectations for himself. Instead of aspiring to be like Jordan or LeBron, he wants to be like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

That’s probably why Arenas can see him reach the level of Ant if he starts early. Although his colleague says the NBA isn’t an incubator, Arenas insists a 19-year-old can be developed into a Michael Jordan within three years.

Some would say Antman was already at Jordan level at 19. But there’s also a ‘wait and watch’ quality about Bronny. Do you think Arenas is on to something?