After impressing fans and scouts in the agility and vertical jump drills, Bronny James put up some intriguing stats at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. The USC basketball guard's production during Tuesday's scrimmage is a bit surprising considering his previous athletic performance.

In 19 minutes of action, James amassed four points and four rebounds, as reported by ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel. He went 2-8 from the floor and 0-4 on three-pointers.

Bronny James' low-scoring showing is shocking, but there is one key factor to consider when examining his stats.

It is possible that James spent himself playing defense. He totaled a respectable two steals along with two fouls during the scrimmage. It would make sense for James to spend more effort on the defensive side, given his impressive physical attributes.

On Monday, James swiftly completed the pro-lane agility drill. His quick and decisive movements displayed his standout lateral quickness, a key defensive advantage. Furthermore, James amassed a 40-and-a-half-inch max vertical leap. There is no question of James' athletic ability. Yet, his underwhelming offensive showing cannot be overlooked.

The NBA Draft Combine was not the first time James struggled to score. He averaged just 4.9 points and shot 26.7 percent on three-pointers during his freshman year with the USC basketball team.

Bronny James' first collegiate offensive campaign was surprising given his high school stats. James scored an average of 13.8 points per game during his senior year with Sierra Canyon. The former McDonald's All-American certainly can score but has not yet delivered.

Of course, James' basketball performance during his college freshman year and shortly afterward comes with a grain of salt.

Bronny James looks to prove his value to NBA Draft scouts despite his subpar offense

James' life took a turn in July of 2023 when he suffered a cardiac arrest during a USC basketball practice. Such an event is truly frightening and would make anyone question their lifestyle afterward, even a relatively healthy athlete like James.

Nevertheless, James fully recovered and returned to playing basketball within months. His performance was understandably not at the same level as before his health scare.

Could the reason for James' decrease in offensive production stem from his missed time going into the 2023-24 college basketball season? Perhaps he has not fully regained his rhythm. Nevertheless, if he wants to have the best chance to make an NBA roster, he must improve.

James' defensive upside has caught NBA Draft Combine scouts' attention. If James can capitalize on his abilities as a defensive stopper and knock down shots with more consistency, he could find himself starting his professional journey in the summer of 2024.

Plenty of NBA teams need lockdown defenders, but James' would fare better if he was able to be exceptionally well on both sides of the ball. He has plenty of time to work on his game and become a more efficient scorer.

Players like Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler entered the league with defensive calling cards but developed stellar offensive abilities later on. Bronny James can do the same. Hopefully, he can achieve his goal of making an NBA roster for the 2024-25 season. If not, he can continue to hone his skills at the collegiate level.