Stephen Jackson Criticizes Austin Rivers Over Bronny James Comment
Stephen Jackson, ex-NBA player, rushed to Bronny James' defense after an NBA player spoke critically of the USC hooper's ties to LeBron James.
Jackson took an unnecessary shot at NBA guard Austin Rivers. The latter commented on Bronny James' potential future playing in the shadow of father, LeBron James, calling it a not-so-optimal situation to place James' heir. Austin Rivers connected the situation to his nuclear tie to NBA coach and father, Doc Rivers.
"I hope it doesn’t happen," Rivers said. "I don’t wanna see Bronny play with his dad, I really don’t. I went through something similar. It’s a very similar situation, but also different. I was already in the NBA when I went to play for him (his dad Doc Rivers). What happens is people try to discredit what you’ve done. …"
Rivers' comments on Bronny James weren't critical of Bronny's play. And it's evident that the USC hooper already faces pressure to enter the league at or near the level of hype as his dad.
But Stephen Jackson still got fired up, calling Rivers "trash."
Despite bringing ‘the smoke,’ Jackson's shot at Rivers flopped.
Jackson said (via Sideline Sources): "And your daddy not LeBron. Shut up. Difference is you trash, Bronny not. You can’t compare to him scrub."
Stephen Jackson co-hosts a culture and basketball podcast with ex-NBA forward Matt Barnes so the hot takes and reactionary commentary comes easy to the longtime NBA player.
PORTLAND - Austin Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers drives to the basket on Al-Farouq Aminu of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on April 29, 2016. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
Considering Austin Rivers had a stellar college career, Jackson missed the mark with his scathing critique.
FRISCO, Tex. - Head coach Stephen Jackson of the Trilogy looks on at Comerica Center on July 10, 2022. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images for BIG3)
It wouldn't be controversial to say Bronny won't reach the heights Austin Rivers hit in college. Rivers was selected with the 10th overall pick in 2010, and Bronny's early projections generally land outside the top 20.
OutKick's Mark Harris detailed Austin Rivers' unique perspective on Bronny's situation, destined to play in the NBA as part of LeBron James' to-do list before the basketball legend retires. Rivers wisely cautioned against LeBron having tacit control of Bronny's NBA career.
It's been a questionable week for the ‘All the Smoke’ hosts. Matt Barnes caught flack over the weekend, spilling into this week, after his involvement in an altercation with a high school student announcer.
LOS ANGELES - Trojans guard Bronny James looks on during the college basketball game between the Oregon Ducks and the USC Trojans on February 1, 2024 at Galen Center. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)