Pro basketball prospect Bronny James, better known as the son of LeBron James, recently elected to enter the 2024 NBA Draft, but many NBA scouts and draft experts keep revisiting the question of, is Bronny James a legitimate draft prospect?
The Bronny James decision to pursue a pro basketball career has provided more questions then answers. The June 2024 NBA Draft will consist of two rounds with a total of 58 selections. After playing one year of college basketball, can we honestly say Bronny James is one of the top 58 collegiate players in the country?
The world was formerly introduced to Bronny James during his high school days when the media consistently captured Bronny’s parents, LeBron and Savannah in attendance at his games. Social media routinely provided us with footage of Bronny scoring a three-point basket or executing a breakaway dunk.
During his junior season back in December 2021, Bronny James had a game-high 19 points as he led Sierra Canyon to a 71-53 win over his father’s high school alma mater St. Vincent-St. Mary. As a junior, Bronny James averaged 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. Bronny’s stat line improved during his senior season as he averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. At the end of his final high school basketball season, Bronny James was selected to the 46th annual McDonald’s All-American game.
As Bronny James was one of 24 players selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American game, some people wondered was he selected because he’s an elite player, or was he selected because he’s LeBron James’ son?Â
Despite the controversy, Bronny James participated in the McDonald’s All-American game. Bronny’s team lost, but he proved that he belonged on the court, as he scored 15 points and dished out 4 assists.
Approximately five weeks later, Bronny James signed a letter of intent with the USC Trojans. On Monday July 24, 2023, Bronny James collapsed as he suffered a cardiac arrest while practicing with his team. After being rushed to the hospital, James was in the ICU, but later upgraded to stable condition.
James would make a full recovery, and in December 2023, the USC freshman made his college basketball debut against Long Beach State. USC lost by the score of 84-79. James finished the game with 4 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists.
As a USC Trojan, Bronny James played in 25 games and averaged 4.8 points, 2.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Despite the pedestrian numbers, James decided to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. Four-time NBA champion LeBron James has always talked about his dream of playing in the NBA with his son. The 20-plus-year veteran has talked about the dream on multiple occasions, but during an interview at the NBA combine, LeBron’s son Bronny verbalized the fact that he doesn’t share the same vision.
“I would be happy about getting into the league instead of me thinking about playing with my dad, but that’s like not my mindset right now at all,” Bronny said. “I’m just trying to put in the work and see where it takes from there.”Â
Bronny went on to say, “I just want… you know, have people know my name is Bronny James and not being you know, identified as just being LeBron James son. I feel like that would be a great angle.”
In college, Bronny James was listed at 6 foot 4, but at the combine his height was measured at 6 foot 1. Bronny did some good things at the combine, but overall, scouts have major concerns in regards to him being a legitimate NBA Draft pick.
For his size, Bronny should be a point guard but he can’t run an offense. He’s not a good fit at the shooting guard position because he’s not a natural shooter. James is known for his athleticism and his skills on defense, but at the combine, the bigger players were able to score on him.
On the plus side, NBA scouts at the combine acknowledged the fact that Bronny James has good vision, he makes the right passes, takes the correct shots, and he handles himself in a professional manner.
When you sum everything up, Bronny James made the McDonald’s All-American team because of his dad, he’s getting draft consideration because of his dad, and if the Los Angeles Lakers decided to select Bronny with the 55th pick of the draft, it will be because of his dad.
Bronny James is a solid basketball player, but he will never live up to his father’s accolades because the bar has been set too high. Bronny probably won’t reach the elite level, but if he is able to connect with an NBA team, he could develop into a solid role player.
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