After going undrafted in the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, Bronny James is expected to be picked in the second round. Per most mock drafts, the former USC Trojans guard is expected to be picked at No. 55 by the LA Lakers. Bronny worked out with the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns as part of the pre-draft process.
In his lone freshman season with the Trojans, Bronny averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.6% from the floor, including 26.7% from the 3-point range. He played an average of 19.4 minutes in 25 games and started six.
Bronny James' underwhelming performances can be attributed to two things. One of them is his health scare in July 2023 when he suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease. He missed nearly four months of action on court due to rehabilitation after the life-saving surgery.
Bronny returned to playing in December but was put on restricted minutes by former coach Any Enfield. Moreover, Enfield played James in the wrong position. He played point guard throughout high school but was a wing at USC because of the presence of other point guards like Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier.
Agent Rich Paul believes Bronny James is better suited for the NBA than college
Despite Bronny's poor numbers at USC, many NBA pundits believe that he possesses impeccable basketball IQ and a feel for the game. Bronny's agent Rich Paul believes the same and explained that Bronny's skillset makes him the best for the pro-league.
During an appearance on the Gil's Arena podcast, Paul said (8:05):
"So you look past the medical thing, he should just be this superhuman of a young man and average 55 points a game. As we know, some people's game and some people's development is not for the collegiate game.
"I personally think you develop better at a pro level. Why? Because there is more intention on your development. At the collegiate level, every game depends on what school you go to."
Rich Paul also added that Bronny James' dreams are not about going to a certain team but rather to hear his name be called. Bronny and the James family will be looking forward to the draft day on Thursday to see if he makes it through.
What are your predictions for Bronny James in the second round of the NBA draft? Do you think he will be picked? Let's know in the comments section below:
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