“Bright Flashes, Bigger Future: Redick Believes in Bronny’s Rise, Encourages Him to Master the Hustle of TJ McConnell and Davion Mitchell. With raw talent already turning heads, the next step is elite cardio fitness—laying the foundation for greatness. A journey of heart, hustle, and hard work begins for the young star.”
Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, continues to be one of the most closely watched young players in the basketball world. Despite the overwhelming spotlight that comes with his last name, Bronny has been carving his own path—marked by impressive flashes of athleticism, strong defensive instincts, and a maturity beyond his years. As the journey into the professional league truly begins for him, former NBA sharpshooter turned coach and analyst, JJ Redick, is offering some seasoned advice: don’t just chase highlights—build endurance, study the grit, and elevate the hustle.
In a recent conversation, Redick shared his thoughts on Bronny’s development and how he sees untapped greatness within the young guard. While acknowledging the electrifying moments Bronny has already produced on the court, Redick emphasized the importance of building a foundation rooted in cardio fitness and relentless effort.
I think we all have seen these amazing flashes from Bronny,” Redick said. “But now, it’s about what’s next—cardio fitness. That’s the key to unlocking everything else. And for that, I want him to study the games of TJ McConnell and Davion Mitchell.”
It’s no coincidence Redick mentioned McConnell and Mitchell—two of the hardest-working, highest-motor players in the league today. While neither is known for high-flying dunks or viral highlights, they bring something more valuable to the table: pure hustle, unshakable endurance, and a non-stop engine that fuels both ends of the court.
TJ McConnell: The Definition of Grit
McConnell has made a name for himself as one of the most relentless on-ball defenders and floor generals in the NBA. Undrafted and often overlooked, he built his career through effort, toughness, and tireless cardio. He plays every minute like it’s his last, diving for loose balls, hounding opposing guards, and keeping his team’s tempo high.
Redick wants Bronny to study McConnell’s defensive pressure and ability to stay locked in for entire games without a drop in intensity. That level of cardio fitness isn’t just about running—it’s about mental toughness and pushing your limits constantly.
Davion Mitchell: “Off Night” Energy
Then there’s Davion Mitchell, affectionately nicknamed “Off Night” for the way he shuts down scorers and gives them their worst games. His speed, lateral quickness, and physical conditioning allow him to pressure players from baseline to baseline without ever slowing down. His style is a blueprint for what Redick sees as the next evolution in Bronny’s game.
If Bronny can develop that level of endurance and keep moving, pressing, cutting, rotating with that same energy—he’ll be a force,” Redick noted.
Flashes of Greatness, Now the Grind Begins
Bronny James has shown he belongs on the court with the best. His basketball IQ, court awareness, and unselfish style already align with the pro game. But like many rookies, his conditioning and pacing need refinement. At the NBA level, talent alone doesn’t win—you need lungs of steel and the heart of a warrior.
Redick’s comments come from a place of belief, not critique. He sees something special in Bronny and wants to guide him toward long-term success. This isn’t about comparing him to LeBron or fast-tracking fame. It’s about laying the groundwork for a sustainable and impactful career. You watch Bronny, and you know he’s got it,” Redick said. “Now it’s about building the engine that can run that talent.”
A New Chapter for Bronny James
For Bronny, this is a pivotal moment. With his debut season approaching and the weight of expectations high, the focus now turns to what can’t always be measured on a stat sheet: endurance, defensive intensity, and nonstop hustle.
His flashes have turned heads, but flashes alone don’t last. It’s the players who outwork, outrun, and outlast that endure—and those are the very traits Redick wants to see Bronny adopt.
LeBron James has always been known for his conditioning and his ability to dominate late into games, even deep into his 30s. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by chance. Bronny has the same opportunity—to turn talent into legacy.
And while he may not become a McConnell or Mitchell clone, absorbing pieces of their game can sharpen his edge. With a focus on cardio fitness and learning from the league’s hardest workers, Bronny is not just chasing greatness—he’s preparing to e