LeBron James became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history this month. But as his career winds down, his son Bronny James is waiting in the wings.
Bronny and his college recruitment are already becoming a buzzing story. And so, of course, will his NBA status when he reaches the league. He figured to be a sought-after prospect. And according to ESPN’s most recent mock draft, he could be pursued very hard.
ESPN’s latest edition of their 2024 NBA Mock Draft included Bronny. Draft expert Jonathan Givony mocked him as the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Bronny James a Top-10 pick in 2024? 👀 @DraftExpress breaks down his big jump and the rest of the draft class on @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/DQkNUxlawk pic.twitter.com/QG6zEIclAB
— ESPN (@espn) February 22, 2023
Givony projected Bronny James to land with the Orlando Magic, who he predicted would hold the No. 10 overall pick. As far as why he has him in the Top 10, Givony wrote:
Some might be surprised to see James, ranked anywhere from 28 to 43 by the major recruiting services, as a potential top-10 pick. James has earned his spot in lottery conversations with the significant jump he has made at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, California, this season, developing into arguably the best perimeter defender in his high school class while making strides in his perimeter shooting and playmaking ability.
As most of his peers have flatlined the past 12 to 18 months, James has grown, filled out his frame, found another gear with his explosiveness and become an absolute terror off the ball defensively thanks to his outstanding intensity and feel for the game. He still has plenty of room to improve his ballhandling and pull-up jumper to become a more prolific and efficient shot creator, but he has already caught the eyes of NBA decision-makers with the way he contributes to winning and likely will continue to grow and fill out his game.
There will certainly be a lot of buzz around Bronny as his NBA career looms. It may not reach the absolutely ridiculous hype that his father had around him as a high schooler. No, that probably won’t be repeated, although expect to see his high school games to be aired and his college games to probably get big billing. But for now, we await what’s to come from him. And Givony and ESPN think big things for James.
The NBA world reacted to the Bronny James projection.
One person doesn’t think Bronny would be worth the hype if his last name wasn’t “James.”
Another reporter said we should probably pump the brakes.
One Magic fan already has the Photoshop ready.
And Eric Henry, a Florida resident, said he will take it since it’s “technically” LeBron.
[ESPN]
