Bronny James, LeBron James’ son who is expected to be the subject of much NBA draft debate, has been medically cleared to be drafted. The only questions now are, who will draft him, and will that lead to LeBron changing teams?
ESPN reported that USC’s James has been medically cleared by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel following his cardiac arrest and a procedure to repair a congential heart defect nine months ago.
It was also reported that James will take part in the NBA Draft combine’s 5-on-5 scrimmages beginning Tuesday, which will give NBA executives a closer look at the polorizing prospect.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst told the Locked On Heat podcast in January that the Miami Heat have scouted Bronny James, son of LeBron James.
An executive who has already gotten a close look is Miami Heat GM Adam Simon. In January, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst told the Locked On Heat podcast that Simon was seen taking notes on Bronny James during USC’s season.
"This guy that I know ... sent me a video of Bronny warming up, and right behind him in the first row taking notes is Adam Simon. The Heat are out there doing it,” Windhorst said.
Brian Windhorst says that if you're a good player in LA, the Heat will find you:
— Locked On Heat | Miami Heat Podcast (@LockedOnHeat) January 5, 2024
"This guy that I know ... sent me a video of Bronny [James] warming up, and right behind him in the first row taking notes is Adam Simon. The Heat are out there doing it."https://t.co/n4Jb4KCHQV pic.twitter.com/4hbMXn7w5K
James is not widely considered a first-round talent. He averaged 4.8 points on 36.6% shooting in 25 games as a freshman at USC and has until May 29 to decide whether to remain in June’s draft.
“He’s a very smart player and has a solid feel for the game,” one NBA scout told Yahoo Sports. “He needs more time to develop, but the fundamental mechanics are there.”
Making James’ draft status more interesting is that LeBron James has said publicly that he would like to play with his son before retiring from the NBA. Although LeBron has eased up on those statements recently, it’s fair to wonder if teams would draft Bronny in order to entice LeBron, who can be a free agent this summer, to sign with their team.
The Heat hold the 15th and 43rd picks in June’s draft. Although they don’t have the cap space to sign LeBron as a free agent, there’s still a scenario in which they could trade for LeBron should he decide he wants to return to Miami.
Is it worth using a valuable draft pick on Bronny for a chance to acquire 39-year-old LeBron? Many fanbases are asking themselves the same thing.