Bronny James is entering the 2024 NBA Draft, via Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. However, there is a transfer portal twist to the situation.
“USC Trojans freshman guard Bronny James will enter the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility and will also enter the transfer portal, he said on Instagram Friday,” Wojnarowski wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
James is going to take his chances in the draft, but is also maintaining his college eligibility amid his transfer portal decision. Bronny made the official announcement on Instagram Friday.
“I've had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James wrote. “I've made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal.
“Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.”
Bronny James' freshman season
Bronny noted that he's endured a year with “some ups and downs.” He suffered a frightening cardiac arrest incident this past summer which led to a procedure. There was initial uncertainty about whether or not James would play basketball at all during the 2023-24 season.
He was ultimately cleared to play. His production was rather inconsistent, but one has to imagine he will bounce back in a full healthy season.
The 19-year-old averaged 4.8 points per game on 36.6 percent field goal shooting. He also averaged 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per outing while recording 19.4 minutes per game.
James' numbers do not jump off the page. With that being said, he displayed signs of potential at times throughout the 2023-24 campaign. There is reason to believe that Bronny can take a step forward in 2024-25.
The question is if Bronny James will be playing for a different college basketball program or in the NBA.
LeBron James' impact on Bronny draft interest
The idea of potentially drafting Bronny James and signing LeBron has been discussed consistently this past year. Nothing is guaranteed, but there is a general belief around the league that LeBron will attempt to join Bronny in the NBA.
A number of teams would love to sign LeBron. His future with the Los Angeles Lakers is uncertain following the 2023-24 season. And although LeBron will turn 40 years old next year, he is still performing at an All-Star level.
LeBron is currently averaging 25.4 points per game on 53.6 percent field goal and 41.6 percent three-point shooting. He's also recording 7.3 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per outing.
So does this mean teams will instantly select Bronny in the first-round of the NBA Draft just to entice LeBron? Anything is possible, although that does not seem likely.
The thought of catching LeBron's attention will make potential suitors seriously consider selecting Bronny James at some point in the 2024 NBA Draft, however.
Of course, Bronny is keeping all of his options open with the aforementioned transfer portal twist.
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