Will Bronny James Be the Next Big NBA Draft Pick? Here's What Experts Say
As I sit here watching the latest USC basketball highlights, I can't help but marvel at the media circus surrounding Bronny James. The question on everyone's mind - will LeBron James' son become the next big NBA draft pick - has created more buzz than most All-Star games. Having covered basketball recruitment for over a decade, I've never seen a prospect generate this much attention before even playing a college game. The pressure on this young man is astronomical, and frankly, I'm both fascinated and concerned about how it will play out.
What strikes me most about Bronny's situation is how different his path appears compared to other legacy players. While he's been developing under the brightest spotlight imaginable, I'm reminded of how team dynamics can make or break a player's development. Take the example from volleyball - when Kianna Dy, Jovy Prado, and Majoy Baron were all contributing to the High Speed Hitters' offense, their Filipino-Canadian winger wasn't stranded alone in carrying the scoring load. This principle applies perfectly to basketball. At USC, Bronny won't have to single-handedly power the team's offense, which should help his development tremendously. The supporting cast matters, and from what I've seen, USC has built a roster that can share the burden.
The experts I've spoken with are divided, and I tend to agree with the more cautious analysts. ESPN's latest mock draft had Bronny going late first round in 2025, but personally, I think that's optimistic. My contacts in NBA front offices suggest that while the talent is undeniable, teams are wary of the media spectacle that will follow him. One general manager told me privately that they'd rather draft a less-heralded player than deal with the "LeBron circus." Still, I believe if Bronny can demonstrate consistent three-point shooting - say, around 38% from beyond the arc - and solid defense, his stock will rise significantly.
Looking at his high school stats, Bronny averaged 14.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists during his senior year at Sierra Canyon. These aren't mind-blowing numbers, but they don't tell the whole story. Having watched about 15 of his games live, what impressed me most was his basketball IQ and decision-making under pressure. He rarely forces bad shots, something even veteran NBA players struggle with. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.1 demonstrates remarkable poise for a player his age.
The comparison to other second-generation players is inevitable, and here's where I might court some controversy - I think Bronny has better fundamentals at this stage than most of them did. His defensive positioning is superior to what we saw from Steph Curry at Davidson initially, and he's more physically prepared for the NBA grind than Michael Jordan's sons were. Still, the shadow of his father looms large. LeBron's rookie season numbers of 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists create almost impossible expectations.
What really fascinates me about Bronny's potential draft position is how it intersects with his father's career timeline. LeBron has openly discussed wanting to play with his son, and I've heard from multiple sources that several teams are considering drafting Bronny primarily to lure LeBron. The Lakers reportedly have Bronny on their radar for the 2024 draft, though my sources indicate they might be willing to wait until 2025 if needed. This father-son dynamic creates unprecedented draft considerations that GMs have never faced before.
From a pure basketball perspective, I see Bronny as a potential lottery pick in the right system. His combine measurements from last summer showed a 6'4" frame with a 6'7" wingspan - ideal for a combo guard. His vertical leap measured at 38.5 inches, which places him in the 85th percentile for NBA guards. These physical tools, combined with his growing skill set, suggest he could develop into a solid rotation player within two years. However, I worry that immediate expectations might overshadow realistic development timelines.
The business side cannot be ignored either. Marketing experts project that Bronny could generate additional $12-15 million in merchandise sales during his rookie season alone. This financial impact might push teams to draft him higher than his pure basketball talent warrants. Having seen how Zion Williamson's draft affected New Orleans' bottom line, I can attest to the real financial incentives at play here.
At the end of the day, my professional opinion leans toward Bronny becoming a first-round pick, though not necessarily an immediate star. His development curve will be steeper than most due to the unique pressures he faces, but the foundational skills are there. The volleyball analogy about shared offensive responsibility rings true - if USC can create the right ecosystem around him, similar to how the High Speed Hitters utilized multiple threats, Bronny could flourish beyond current expectations. The draft buzz is justified, but patience will be key for whatever team ultimately selects him.
