Bronny James Shines At NBA Combine After Receiving Medical Clearance To Play In NBA

by Jordan SilversmithMay 17, 2024, 11:14 pmDaily Digest, News >

A day after the NBA draft lottery, one of the most important prospects in the 2024 class received positive news about his ability to play in the association.

Bronny James, Lebron James‘ oldest son, found out that he would be medically cleared to play in the NBA and took part in the NBA combine a day later. James Jr. had heart issues last summer and did not start USC’s regular season on time. He never found his footing with the Trojans and played less than 20 minutes a game, while Isaiah Collier, another freshman Guard on Southern Cal, averaged the second most on the team in points and minutes. USC finished under .500 last year and did not make the NCAA tournament.

Coming into the combine, James was projected with a 50-50 chance of getting drafted. However, his electric shooting performance boosted his stock. He finished tops in the three-point shooting drill, splashing 19-25 from beyond the arc while making 12 in a row at one point. He continued his impressive day as he leaped out of the gym with a 40.5” vertical jump. Scouts were taken aback by his athletic numbers, even if he only measured 6’1”, a short number for NBA players.

His day took a downturn when he played at 5-on-5 and participated in the combine scrimmages. James Jr. totaled just four points on 2-8 shooting with four rebounds and three steals. Scouts felt he saw the floor nicely and made the right play most of the time, but his lack of production halted his rise up draft boards.

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However, what happens off the court may impact his draft stock more than on it. Although James Jr. does an excellent job trying to focus on himself and not his dad, his father does not always do the same. Lebron James has repeatedly stated that he wants to play on the same team with his son before he retires. With James turning 40 in December and able to opt out of his contract in June, where Bronny James gets drafted could influence where the elder James plays next season.