Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is set to enter the 2024 NBA Draft after being fully cleared to play following a cardiac arrest last July. Despite not being considered a top prospect, his name recognition and return to the court after a health scare make him a notable player in this year’s draft class. There is also speculation about the possibility of LeBron and Bronny becoming teammates, as LeBron has expressed a desire to play alongside his son.
After collapsing during a team workout at USC due to a congenital heart defect, Bronny James was cleared to return to practice four months later and went on to make his college debut in December. He played in USC’s final 25 games, showing promise as a 3-and-D guard with strong defensive abilities while still working on his offensive game. His decision to enter the NBA Draft came after his college coach left for a new position, prompting LeBron to acknowledge that Bronny had tough decisions to make about his future.
Measurements from the NBA Draft Combine confirmed that James stands at 6-foot-1 1/2 with a 6-7 1/4 wingspan and an 8-2 1/2 standing reach, positioning him more as a point guard than a shooting guard. Although his shooting percentage at USC was not stellar, his success in a shooting drill at the combine highlighted his potential as a shooter. NBA teams already believed in his ability to shoot the ball, and the drill performance likely did not significantly impact their evaluations of him.
While the shooting drill showcased James’ shooting potential, his vertical leap results at the combine were in line with expectations, confirming preconceived notions of his athleticism. Evaluators were already aware of his athletic abilities and did not see a major shift in their assessment based on his combine performance. Overall, James’ status as a draft prospect remains intriguing due to his family background, health journey, and potential to develop into a solid contributor in the NBA. The NBA Draft will take place on June 26-27, where his future in professional basketball will begin to take shape.
