PHOTO: NBC Sports
Buckle up, it’s going to be a busy summer for the NBA, especially when it comes to the 2024 Draft. As (almost) everyone knows, Bronny Jamesson of LeBron James, declared himself eligible to be chosen, participating in the Combine and thus raising hundreds, if not thousands of antennas of managers and professionals. Let’s remember that, based on what we saw at high school, Bronny seemed to have the qualities worthy of an NBA prospect, perhaps not top-tier and not in line with the surname he carries with him, but still valid. The cardiac arrest suffered in July 2023 due to a congenital heart malformation, however, makes it miraculous in itself that he was able to return to playing in the NCAA this season, despite struggling. James Jr.’s impact on USC wasn’t exactly memorable: he averaged 20.2 minutes in 19 games, with 5.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.1 turnovers per game, shooting 37.1% from the field , 27.5% from three points and 62.1% from the free throw line – so much so that famous draft analysts such as Jonathan Givony (ESPN) have even projected him to the 2025 draft, considering the best choice for the prospect to remain another year in the collegiate field, maybe a change of scenery (HERE the in-depth analysis and response to LeBron’s poison). Now, however, this is the reality and, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Bronny James would have received dozens of invitations to train with an NBA team, but his choice would have been reduced to a handful of possibilities, among which stand out Los Angeles Lakers (obviously) and Phoenix Suns. The latter have choice number 22 at their disposal in the 2024 Draft and very little room for manoeuvre, therefore, at least ideally, they should look for a player who is ready and capable of making an immediate impact, especially in the defensive half of the field, possibly a winger or a long. But when we talk about the James family, aware of the fact that, together with the son, the father could also arrive – in a place and a market not to be disdained like that of Arizona – perhaps at the minimum wage, a bet could prove quite attractive .
The Phoenix Suns will conduct a workout with Bronny James ahead of the June NBA Draft, sources say. Phoenix has the 22nd pick and he is among several players in consideration. Bronny has over 10 workout invites but is expected to only visit a few teams, including Lakers and Suns. pic.twitter.com/3s7ElKRe0P
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 24, 2024
Having said that, the conditions are very clear, dictated by Rich Paul (CEO of Klutch Sports, an agency that represents father and son) in a recent interview on Bleacher Report: Bronny will not sign any two-way contract, he will not set foot in the G League, his must be a standard contract, being part of the roster. Furthermore, as the agent explains, the primary objective will be to find a team and a project suitable for LeBron’s son, and vice versa, while also taking into consideration the father’s wishes. In short, Bronny James will enjoy attention and absolute top treatment, despite being raw material – we repeat, perhaps even NBA level – on which there will be a lot to work on, whether he likes it or not. Will the Phoenix Suns be willing to make this gamble? Would LeBron be willing to leave the Los Angeles market, refusing a $51.4 million player option, to end his career in Arizona at the minimum salary? Would Rich Paul allow such a move? All questions to which we probably won’t have an answer before June 26th.
2024-05-24 23:43:02
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