Bronny James is exploring his next steps by declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft while preserving his NCAA eligibility as he considers entering the transfer portal. This move has sparked debate among analysts and fellow athletes regarding whether it’s the right time for him to leap into professional basketball.
Critics have highlighted Bronny’s uneven performance at USC, suggesting that his draft prospects might be buoyed by his familial ties to LeBron James, a 20-time All-star. Throughout his freshman season, Bronny’s averages—19.4 minutes, 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game—were modest. His season also started later than planned due to a health scare involving a cardiac arrest before his debut at USC.
Amid the skepticism, some voices within the basketball community support his decision to consider the draft. Among them is Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors forward and four-time All-Star, who praised Bronny’s potential on his podcast, “The Draymond Green Show.”
“Bronny 100% will be a successful player in the NBA,” Green said.
Reflecting on Bronny’s growth from high school to college, Green emphasized the visible progress that James has made, physically and athletically, not just in his skills.
“Number one, he knows how to work. If you don’t think he knows how to work, go look at Bronny from his freshman year to sophomore, sophomore to junior, junior to senior,” Green said. “There, you’ll see a kid who knows how to work because you can see the improvement in his game, his body, his athleticism.”
Despite acknowledging some inconsistencies in Bronny’s shooting performance during his freshman year at USC, Green highlighted the underlying quality of his shot and his defensive prowess, reinforcing that James has the foundational skills needed for success at the professional level.
“At worst, Bronny is an NBA-level defender that can knock a shot down … Bronny got a really good shot. Didn’t shoot the ball all that great this year, but his mechanics are great, and he’s always shot the ball great.”
Green believes that the timing could be advantageous for James, given the perceived lack of top-tier talent in this year’s draft pool. He pointed out the unique opportunity this presents for Bronny, suggesting that the lack of a clear frontrunner for the number one pick could work in his favor.
“I also think it’s a smart move for him to go in this NBA Draft because this NBA Draft will go down probably as one of the worst in NBA history from a top talent standpoint. There’s not even a consensus No. 1 pick. I think it’s a great decision, and I definitely think Bronny will be a successful NBA player.”
As the discussions continue, Bronny James will make the ultimate decision. Regardless of his choice, it’s clear that he will not be returning to play for USC next season.
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