0-for-10 from Beyond the Arc! Is Bronny James Really NBA Material?

The spotlight on Bronny James, Cui Yongxi, and Yuki Kawamura—the "Big Three" rising stars of basketball—has never been brighter. However, their journeys in professional basketball have been anything but smooth. With each player navigating unique challenges, comparisons between the trio have fueled discussions among fans and analysts alike.

Cui Yongxi Finally Sees Action

After spending eight consecutive games on the Brooklyn Nets’ bench, Chinese rookie Cui Yongxi finally got his opportunity during the closing moments of a 104-114 loss to the New York Knicks. With 1:17 remaining, Cui was tasked with defending Jalen Brunson, forcing him to pass the ball. On the offensive end, Cui attempted a mid-range turnaround jumper that didn’t even hit the rim—a clear sign of nervousness.

Fans and commentators were quick to note that Cui’s lack of playing time likely contributed to his tentative performance. Unlike Bronny James and Yuki Kawamura, Cui hasn’t had the opportunity to develop his game in the G League. With more experience and confidence, many believe Cui could show significant improvement.

Bronny James’ G League Struggles

Bronny James, meanwhile, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons in the G League. In his second outing for the South Bay Lakers, he posted a dismal stat line: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block on 2-of-10 shooting, including 0-of-2 from beyond the arc. Across two games, Bronny has shot a combined 4-of-19 from the field and 0-of-6 from three-point range, totaling just 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists with 7 turnovers.

Notably, Bronny has yet to hit a single three-pointer this season. Between his NBA debut and G League games, he is 0-for-10 from deep. This has raised concerns about his readiness for professional basketball, with some pundits openly questioning his long-term prospects in the league.

Adding fuel to the fire is the special treatment Bronny receives as the son of LeBron James. The Lakers have restricted him to playing only home games for the South Bay Lakers, sparking criticism over his lack of exposure to the rigorous demands of a full G League schedule.

Yuki Kawamura Shines Brightest

Of the three, Yuki Kawamura has arguably been the most impressive. The Japanese point guard has shown flashes of potential in both the NBA and the G League. In the NBA regular season, Kawamura has tallied a total of 8 points, 2 rebounds, and 5 assists, including a game where he notched 3 points and 4 assists. In the G League, he recorded a near double-double with 7 points and 10 assists in one game.

Kawamura’s ability to contribute as both a scorer and playmaker has made him stand out, despite being undersized compared to his peers. His G League performances suggest that he could develop into a reliable contributor at the NBA level with the right opportunities.

What’s Next for the “Big Three”?

Cui Yongxi’s limited action in the NBA may not reflect his true potential. During a scrimmage with the Long Island Nets, he impressed with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block in just 15 minutes of play. His smooth mid-range jumper and confidence in training suggest that he could thrive in a developmental environment like the G League.

As for Bronny, his struggles are a stark contrast to the lofty expectations placed upon him as LeBron’s eldest son. While his shooting woes have been concerning, it’s worth noting that he just turned 20 and has time to refine his skills. The immense pressure of carrying the “Prince James” mantle might be affecting his performance, but the potential for a breakthrough remains.

Yuki Kawamura, meanwhile, has proven that he can adapt to the professional game, even as he adjusts to the physicality and speed of the NBA. His performances in both leagues suggest that he is closer to realizing his potential than his peers.

The journeys of Cui Yongxi, Bronny James, and Yuki Kawamura highlight the challenges of transitioning to professional basketball. Whether it’s the pressure of living up to a famous name, adapting to a new environment, or finding consistent playing time, each player has faced unique obstacles. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the basketball world will continue to watch their progress closely.