NBA analysts discuss Bronny James’ McDonald’s All-American performance, NBA ceiling

Just like his father did 20 years ago, Bronny James participated in the McDonald’s All-American this year amongst the nation’s top high school prospects. Bronny also participated in the dunk contest, showing off a few dazzling dunks, which re-jogged the memory of NBA insider Brian Windhorst when he appeared on ESPN’s ‘KJM’.

“Well first off, the only slam dunk contest Lebron ever did as far as I know, like he might have done some stuff I don’t know about, was the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest in Cleveland in 2003, I was there,” Windhorst said. “And it wasn’t good, he won, home cooking on the scoring. Shannon Brown, who later was his teammate, he never did another slam dunk contest, I think it was because it was a bad taste from McDonalds.”

Bronny may not have won the dunk contest like his father did in 2003, but he did show out in the All-American game. James ended the night with 15 points all exclusively from behind the arc in a special moment in front of his family.

“So number one, seeing Bronny in the slam dunk contest two nights ago was like woah, I remember that. And it was probably a great night for the James family, Bronny had a good performance, hit five threes. Lebron was there, Gloria was there, again I remember when Gloria, his mom, was sitting at Lebron’s Mcdonald’s game in Cleveland when he did that,” Windhorst said.

Windhorst was clearly nostalgic in the full circle moment on display for the James family, but former Duke standout and current analyst Jay Williams still had some questions regarding James’ career as professional.

“So Windy let’s just do a quick exercise, let’s remove the name, let’s just look at the player right? I’m like okay I see somebody who’s a good shooter, I see somebody in open court there’s decent athletic ability there, just his ability to dunk. I just don’t see that next tier of player, now can he grow? If he grows a couple inches and his overall game, be more aggressive, could he give me a little bit more shake and bake in the half court?” Williams asked.

Bronny wasn’t blessed with the same stature as his father up until this point, but has displayed an impressive basketball IQ, feel for the game, athleticism, and shooting ability. But will that and his name be enough for him to make it to the next level?

“Like I haven’t seen him create shots the way DJ Wagner is last night, I think he can be a serviceable player. And I don’t think that’s a knock on him, I just think there’s a lot of added on pressure because of the name,” Williams said. “But as a player, he’s a good player, doesn’t mean it’s next level.”

“He’s 6’3, so to be 6’3 and be elite to make the NBA, you got to do some stuff really really well. You either gotta shoot awesome, you gotta be awesome at defense,” Windhorst added.