Seth Curry Sympathizes with Bronny James Amidst Sky-High Expectations
Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry, a name synonymous with basketball excellence through both his lineage and individual achievements, understands the weight of expectation more acutely than most. He’s navigated the unique pressures of familial legacy throughout his career, providing him with a perspective few can truly grasp. Having worn the same Charlotte Hornets jersey as his father, Dell Curry, a beloved figure who averaged 14 points across 701 games over 10 seasons with the team, and with his older brother being the global phenomenon Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Seth has always been measured against a demanding yardstick. Stephen, a perennial All-Star, Team USA icon, two-time NBA scoring champion, and four-time NBA title winner, casts a long shadow, demanding that Seth carve his own path under intense scrutiny.
This understanding of inherited expectation makes Seth uniquely qualified to comment on the pressure facing Bronny James, the rookie guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bronny, the son of arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, LeBron James, has been subjected to relentless comparisons and soaring expectations since he first picked up a basketball. The younger James’ journey has been meticulously dissected, from his early AAU days to his tenure at the prestigious Sierra Canyon High School.
The spotlight intensified when Bronny committed to USC for his freshman year in 2023-24. His collegiate career was dramatically altered when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session. After a period of recovery and rehabilitation, Bronny returned to the court, but his performance during a somewhat underwhelming Trojans season was deemed "mediocre" by some analysts. Despite this, he declared for the NBA Draft, a decision that sparked further debate and speculation.
Prior to the draft, a prevalent narrative suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers would be the only team willing to select Bronny, largely to fulfill LeBron’s publicly expressed desire to play alongside his son. This prediction materialized in the second round of the draft when the Lakers indeed selected Bronny, setting the stage for a father-son duo unlike any the NBA has seen.
The unprecedented nature of Bronny’s situation, being the son of LeBron James, carries a unique burden. Seth Curry, recognizing this immense pressure, expressed his empathy for the young guard during an interview with Fox News Digital, coinciding with his partnership with Bush’s Beans.
"I definitely feel for him, in Bronny’s case," Seth stated, acknowledging the challenges Bronny faces. "He’s just going out there, working hard, trying to be the best player he can be. I mean, whatever the media and fans do with it, they do with it. He’s his own person. He’s trying to go out there and make the best career for himself. So, I feel for him. But he’s got a great opportunity to go out there, play and prove himself. I’m sure he’ll be fine with a little more reps and confidence."
Bronny has seen limited playing time in his rookie season with the Lakers, appearing in 21 games. His performance has been marked by struggles, evidenced by his shooting percentages of 26.3% from the field (10-for-38) and 22.7% from three-point range (5-of-22). These early difficulties have only amplified the criticism and scrutiny he faces.
However, Seth recognizes that having a father like LeBron also presents unique advantages. The insight and guidance Bronny can access are unparalleled. "There’s two sides to the coin," Seth explained. "There’s some negatives and some positives to it. Like you said, you’re able to ask questions. You see their process that they did to get to where they are. But, at the same time, those expectations are going to be on you."
Seth emphasized that the pressure Bronny experiences isn’t a recent phenomenon. "But that’s the way it’s been for his whole life, my whole life. It didn’t just happen the day he went to college or the day Bronny was drafted. He had those expectations really his whole life. So, I’m sure he’s used to it. As long as Bronny stays in the NBA, he’ll have critics."
Ultimately, Seth believes that increased playing time and a boost in confidence can help Bronny navigate the challenges and silence the critics. "I’m sure he’ll be fine with a little more reps and confidence," he reiterated.
Beyond his commentary on Bronny James, Seth’s partnership with Bush’s Beans has also brought him into the culinary spotlight. A self-proclaimed March Madness enthusiast, Seth enjoys whipping up a special dish he calls "Curry Caviar" during the tournament. This creation, introduced to him by his wife, Callie Rivers, a former professional volleyball player and daughter of legendary NBA coach Doc Rivers, has become a staple in their household.
"It’s honestly something we make in our house every year around this time. It’s healthy. You can snack on it all day for a week straight after we make it. It’s top-notch," Curry said, highlighting the dish’s appeal.
This year, Bush’s is amplifying the personal touch of family recipes during March Madness with their "Your Fam on a Can" campaign, which launched on March 19th. The initiative allows fans to personalize a Bush’s Beans can with their family’s name, commemorating their favorite bean-based recipes and adding a unique twist to the tournament festivities.
