Fans — and haters — had just witnessed Bronny James’ 2024 NBA draft combine performance. However, after the results came out, there seemed to be a sudden change in the script. Will Bronny go undrafted, or will a team finally take a chance at James Jr.?
Bronny James at the NBA Draft Combine: Key Takeaways
Here’s what we thought about the outcome of Bronny’s showcase in the draft combine:
The Good: Bronny showing signs of life
- LeBron’s athletic genes are kicking in. Bronny showed up and recorded a 40.5-inch max vertical jump, the sixth-highest among draft prospects. He is currently tied with the legendary Derrick Rose, the youngest MVP in NBA history.
- Shot 19/25 from the 3-point line and ranks second among all participants this year.
- He also had an excellent outing during the pro lane agility drill, during which the youngin showed quickness and agility.
- During the scrimmage, James Jr. managed to tally 4 points and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes. Although it’s not the greatest performance for someone who wants to be in the NBA, it’s good to see him play well after that health scare last year.
- After the combine, Bronny graced the interviewers with positivity and gratitude. Obviously, as the son of one of the greatest NBA players in history, Bronny would always be linked to his father. However, the young guard wants to make a name for himself rather than just being known as “LeBron’s son”.
The Bad
First, Bronny’s college career wasn’t illustrious. In fact, it was mediocre. He only averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in his rookie year with USC. Well, to be fair, he’s not really the most talented offensive player, but he sure is a good basketball player.
Let’s also not forget that he had a major health scare last year. Thankfully, he was able to recover and return to the court. But, still, this will always be noted by GMs, scouts, and the league. On the other hand, Bronny was already given a health clearance to play in the NBA.
The Ugly
Bronny came up short in the draft combine … literally. Before the combine, he was listed as a 6-foot-4 guard. He’s always had that height in every school he went to, or so we thought. Shockingly, at the combine, Bronny was revealed to be only 6 feet and 1.5 inches (without shoes). That is already a major blow to his NBA hopes.
Will Bronny James really get drafted?
Up until the draft combine, Bronny James frequently went undrafted in various mock drafts. ESPN, as well as other sports platforms, had Alex Sarr as the first overall pick, while Bronny did not even get picked in the late second round.
But, according to Stephen A. Smith, LeBron is pushing the Lakers front office to draft his son. Los Angeles has two picks in the 2024 draft: No. 17 and No. 55. The Pelicans have the rights to that 17th pick, but if they opt to defer that option to 2025, then the Lakers get to keep it this year. However, it’s unlikely Bronny will go as early as the first round. Then there’s the 55th pick, which L.A. can use to take Bronny. It sounds outrageous, but it’s very possible. By doing so, the Lakers would also get to keep LeBron in his final years as an NBA player.
But what will an NBA team get from a 19-year-old, 6-foot-1 athletic shooting guard?
The answer is defense. Bronny is a freak athlete with a 40.5-inch vertical who thrives in picking pockets and blocking shots. In his rookie season in college, Bronny averaged almost 1 steal per game. Moreover, he looks up to players like Jrue Holiday, Dereck White, and Davion Mitchell, all of whom are elite defenders. Also, Bronny has shown he can shoot from behind the arc. Therefore, he can be a reliable 3-and-D wing, something a lot of teams would love to have.
But, truth be told, Bronny would still go undrafted in 2024 unless LeBron or LeGM made things happen. Not to shake some trees, but without his father’s name, Bronny would likely not hear his name on draft time. He was never at the top of his class, and there are literally 60 more highly touted prospects than the young James. Top that, with his true height being 6’1”, his chances of playing in the NBA get slimmer.
Obviously, Bronny is not a scoring beast like Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young. He’s also not an elite point guard like Mike Conley or Dennis Schroeder. What Bronny can be is a guy like Payton Prichard. Prichard is a great shooter and a pest on defense. Although Bronny is way more athletic, being a short 3-and-D off-the-bench wing is his current ceiling.
