Earlier this year, Austin Rivers, former Minnesota Timberwolves guard, had made some comments on Bronny James’ $7 million deal with sports marketing company PWR FWD. Recently, those comments have resurfaced, causing controversy among NBA fans. Rivers expressed doubts about the value of Bronny’s $7 million deal with sports marketing company PWR FWD, suggesting that LeBron’s fame played a significant role in the young athlete’s success.
In an interview on “The Ringer NBA Show” podcast some months ago, Rivers discussed the then-newly implemented name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules which allow certain high school and college athletes to profit from their personal brands. His comments implied that Bronny James secured his deal due to his father’s status in the basketball world.
He’s right but man how do you forget your own nepotism before calling out another 😂🤣
— . (@schwifty00) October 29, 2023
To explain on his point, Rivers stated, “Yeah, that’s just high school insane. I mean we know why he got that. He got that because he’s the son of LeBron James.”
Austin Rivers being bitter about Bronny James’ NIL cus he’s “someone’s son”is a master class in self awareness @ringer @ringernba
— Michael T (@mikeysmalz) April 9, 2023
Rivers continued by comparing his high school reputation with that of Bronny, claiming that if NIL deals were available during his time, he would have secured a much bigger deal.
Austin Rivers is such a hater on Bronny James smh…
— Darrin Lawrence Boze’ (@LDboze1981) May 8, 2023
NBA fans shared their opinion on Rivers’ comments, with many accusing Rivers of hypocrisy and pointing out he too benefited from being the son of NBA coach Doc Rivers. One fan wrote, “He’s right but man how do you forget your own nepotism before calling out another.” Another added, “Austin Rivers is such a hater on Bronny James smh…”
Austin Rivers believes LeBron James still one of the best players in the league
While Austin Rivers may have sparked controversy with his comments about Bronny James, he had no problem about praising Bronny’s father, LeBron James, as one of the NBA’s top talents. In a recent podcast discussion about his personal pick for the top seven NBA players, Rivers placed the four-time MVP in the seventh spot.
Highlighting the Los Angeles Lakers last season’s journey to the Western Conference Finals, Rivers gave much of the team’s success to LeBron’s undying dedication and prowess on the court. He stated, “The LeBron one could be questionable for a lot of people, just at his age right now. But, like, he’s just still so dominant in the game.”
Austin Rivers names his top 7 players in the NBA currently :
1. Nikola Jokic
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
3. Stephen Curry
4. Luka Doncic
5. Joel Embiid
6. Jayson Tatum
7. LeBron James— NBArepublic.com (@nba_republic) August 15, 2023
As the new NBA season progresses, LeBron in his 21st year, has maintained impressive statistics, averaging 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in just two games. NBA Fans are eagerly anticipating how James will lead the Lakers this season and whether he could win another championship title.