The rivalry between LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony has been a cornerstone of NBA debates for over two decades. These two icons dominated the conversation about the league’s best forwards in the early 2000s. Now, a new generation is stepping into the spotlight, reigniting this rivalry—but this time, it’s through their sons, Bronny James and Kiyan Anthony.
As both young players are emerging talents, fans and analysts are speculating about their potential and who might surpass the other in the NBA. Although Bronny James joined the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, Kiyan Anthony is still making his mark at Long Island Lutheran High School in New York, where he ranks among the top 35 high school players in the U.S. So, why do many believe Kiyan Anthony might have greater NBA potential?
Kiyan Anthony’s Physical Edge
One of the main reasons experts see greater NBA potential in Kiyan Anthony is his physical advantage. Despite being three years younger than Bronny James, Kiyan already stands at 1.96 meters (6’5″), compared to Bronny’s 1.88 meters (6’2″). With Kiyan still growing, he could reach his father Carmelo’s height of 2.01 meters (6’7″), giving him a significant advantage in the NBA, where height often contributes to success.
Skill Development and Versatility
Beyond height, Kiyan Anthony has shown a versatile scoring ability that gives him an edge over Bronny James. Known for his ability to shoot from various positions on the court, Kiyan displays a natural scoring touch that many believe he can continue to refine as he matures. This adaptability in scoring makes him a highly promising talent and could set him apart in a league that values versatility.
More Time to Develop in College
Unlike Bronny, who faced immense pressure to enter the NBA, Kiyan Anthony will likely have more time to develop his skills at the college level. Some speculate he may even follow in his father’s footsteps by attending Syracuse University, allowing him a solid college foundation before transitioning to the professional level. This extra time could enable Kiyan to grow both physically and technically, giving him an advantage over players who enter the NBA early.
Bronny James’ Advantages and Challenges
Despite the comparison, Bronny James has his own unique strengths. While his smaller frame and lack of NCAA or G-League experience pose challenges, Bronny compensates with a high basketball IQ and remarkable physical strength for his size. Additionally, being LeBron James’ son has given him access to world-class training and mentorship, which are invaluable resources in his development.
The Wild Card: Bryce James
Interestingly, the LeBron James family has another young talent who may eventually rival both Bronny and Kiyan: Bryce James. Born in 2007, Bryce already stands at 1.98 meters (6’6″) and is known for his solid fundamentals and composure. Unlike Bronny, Bryce has more time to develop without the same immediate pressure to enter the NBA, allowing him a gradual progression similar to what Kiyan may experience. Some even consider Bryce the more comparable talent to Kiyan Anthony in terms of future potential.
Conclusion
While the future of both Bronny James and Kiyan Anthony remains unpredictable, the early indicators suggest Kiyan may have a slight edge due to his physical advantages, versatile scoring, and the additional time he’s likely to spend honing his skills at the college level. Fans eagerly anticipate how both players’ careers will unfold and whether they will live up to or even surpass the legacies of their famous fathers. For now, the spotlight is on Bronny’s first year in the NBA, with Kiyan following closely as he continues to climb the high school ranks.
