The next step in the 2024 NBA Draft cycle is here.
The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery will take place on Sunday, May 12, and the 2024 NBA Draft Combine will begin the same day. NBA executives, scouts and key decision makers will flock to Chicago to see the world’s best prospects who are eligible for this year’s draft.
Among those prospects is former USC guard Bronny James, who surprised some with his decision a month ago.
“I have had a year with some ups and downs, but they all contributed to my growth as a man, student and athlete. I made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and I will also enter the NBA Draft. Transfer Portal the NCAA”, LeBron’s son wrote on Instagram back in April.
James isn’t a projected lottery pick, but there’s no denying he has more to offer than he showed during an up-and-down season with the Trojans.
The 19-year-old began his college career behind the 8-ball after suffering cardiac arrest in an offseason workout over the summer. That suspended his freshman season for four months and limited his playing time in his first few games. Upon his return, James averaged only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game off the bench.
Those aren’t typical numbers for NBA Draft prospects, but James isn’t a typical NBA Draft prospect. As the eldest heir to arguably the greatest player of all time, James is seen as having a higher ceiling than most.
Will that give him the opportunity to join his father on an NBA court, as a teammate or opponent, next season? The Jugo Mobile looks at their upcoming pre-draft process and some key dates to know.
Will Bronny James participate in the 2024 NBA Draft Combine?
James was one of 78 prospects to receive an invitation to the 2024 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.
The combine will begin on Sunday, May 12 and will run through Sunday, May 19 at the Wintrust Arena, home of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.
Under the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, all invited players are now required to attend and participate in the NBA Draft Combine. That means James will undergo testing and drills and play in scrimmages in front of NBA scouts and executives. He will also answer questions from the media.
In the past, selected prospects and projected top picks would skip combine events, saving themselves for interviews and private team workouts. This year will be the first year in which it will be mandatory for invited prospects to attend and participate in the combine.
James is also likely to have individual team workouts and interviews scheduled during his time in Chicago.
Bronny James Deadline for making decisions in the 2024 NBA Draft
The NCAA early withdrawal deadline for the 2024 NBA Draft is Wednesday, May 29.
That means James will have about 10 days to evaluate the feedback he’s receiving in Chicago and decide whether to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft or return to college and weigh his options in the transfer portal.
Bronny James 2024 NBA Draft Projection
Projection project: No. 55 overall, Los Angeles Lakers (via LAC)
I project James to go in the second round, 55th overall, to the Lakers in The Jugo Mobile’ latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft.
As you can guess, that selection is no coincidence. The Lakers are already said to be “very open to the prospect of helping LeBron fulfill the dream of playing with his son Bronny by potentially drafting him.” according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
DECOURCY: Teams would spend a second-round pick on Bronny James, but LeBron James should know better
In many ways, Bronny projects as a better NBA player than a college player due to his ability to catch and shoot, defend, and make the right reads as a ball-handler in a low-maintenance role.
He has an NBA build, weighing in at 6-4 and 210 pounds. He is still a superior athlete, even if he doesn’t match his father’s unique explosiveness. In limited time on the court, James showed off pro-level skills. He is a smart and tenacious point-of-attack defender with a smooth shot, even if he had spotty numbers last season. He is a connective playmaker who can play with or without the ball, making him a potential candidate for any squad.
