Shannon Sharpe showers praise on Bronny James after All-American dunk contest - "He showed he belongs"

Shannon Sharpe praised Bronny James after the Serra Canyon senior placed second in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Dunk Contest.

Bronny stunned the crowd by throwing down back-to-back massive dunks, including an incredible slam after jumping over his brother Bryce James, who reportedly stands at 6-foot-6. His warm-up dunk was already impressive, but Bronny took it up a notch with his second attempt.

Fans have wondered whether Bronny James will one day be good enough to play alongside his father in the NBA. However, The Undisputed’s Shannon Sharpe was of the opinion that Bronny James showed enough potential:

“He has some gifts, showed some of that athleticism. I really liked that dunk where he reversed it backwards. You know, he had a couple of impressive drunks and I was trying to watch him but he didn’t win it. I think he missed both of his attempts in the final round. But I am sure his dad will be very, very proud. He impressed, he is showing you skill that he belongs.”

Speaking about James’ chances of following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Ohio State Buckeyes, Sharpe said:

”Even though it’s undecisive I think there is a 99.9% chance that he is going to honor his dad. I think, that’s where his dad went to and he wants to honor his dad. He won the MVP, and I thought he was very impressive last night.”

Bronny James comes second in All-American Dunk Contest

Bronny James did not end up winning the dunk contest and missed two of his final attempts. Duke Blue Devils commit Sean Stewart pipped him to emerge as the winner. Sean's father, Michael Stewart, played alongside LeBron James for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2003-04 NBA season. However, Michael only played eight games that season, and James was already leading the team in scoring.

Regardless, Shannon Sharpe was excited about the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game, and said he was anxious to see Bronny James compete:

“I liked what I saw. I am anxious to see him at the game tonight against other top level players. Everybody out there is going somewhere, either they are going to the G-League, or some major university. So I am anxious to see him against top level competition, but I thought he acquitted himself very well last night.”

Bronny, who is just 18 years old, has a lot to prove in the basketball world. However, his father and current LA Lakers superstar LeBron never participated in the All-American dunk contest, which is already a bit of a headstart for young Bronny.