Bronny James is now officially confirmed to be a part of the 2024 NBA Draft, following the passing of the NCAA’s early-entry withdrawal deadline. ESPN has now released a new NBA mock draft, excluding those who pulled out, and it has Bronny being selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 52nd pick.
There was no explanation given by Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, on why the Warriors would be selecting Bronny but he does fit the profile of the kind of player they like. The 19-year-old has an incredible basketball IQ, defends well, and has a high motor, all things that the Warriors value.
Bronny’s agent Rich Paul has also stated on numerous occasions that the priority is for his client, who averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game for USC as a freshman, to end up at the right place for his development. The Warriors certainly would be just that.
They did an excellent job with Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis, in particular, with the two rookies going from strength to strength as the 2023-24 season went by. So, it might make sense for both parties.
The other angle to look at this from, of course, is what it would mean for LeBron James. We know for a fact that the Warriors tried to trade for LeBron to pair him with Stephen Curry before the trade deadline earlier this year. As per the report, the 39-year-old didn’t seem all that keen on the move at the time.
Would LeBron’s stance change now if his son is on the Warriors? The 20-time All-Star is expected to opt out of his $51.4 million player option and then re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, but I don’t think it’s outlandish to think that the Warriors could tempt him to come over in this scenario.
We know that LeBron is desperate to win more championships and if he were to go to the Warriors, I would give them a real chance at winning it all. So, it certainly would be an interesting proposition if Bronny was there. Would he go ahead with it is something only time will tell.
Brian Windhorst Expects The Lakers To Try To Draft Bronny
While the Warriors have been touted as the landing spot for Bronny in this mock draft, many others have him ending up in Los Angeles. NBA insider Brian Windhorst believes the Lakers will draft Bronny if he’s available.
“I do believe LeBron is going to opt out of his contract next month, and I do believe he’s got several reasons why he wants to do that, and leaving optionality for playing with Bronny is on the list, but I don’t think it’s at the top. I do think he’s going to be back with the Lakers.”
“And I also will say this, I think if the Lakers have an opportunity to draft Bronny James, they will do so. Whether that’s with the 55th pick or if they make another deal around the draft where they pick up another pick, I think they will try. I do not think it’s going to be their top priority.”
If teams like the Warriors are interested, the Lakers would have to move up or trade for an earlier pick to land Bronny. This whole situation is just so fascinating because I don’t think anyone knows for sure how things are going to pan out. I just hope that Bronny ends up with the right team for his development.
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