Bronny James is Making His Own Path to the NBA
Being the son of one of the greatest basketball players of all time comes with unwanted expectations and pressure. For Bronny James, talks about an NBA career get louder and louder each year. Despite all the media attention he has gotten since the first time he picked up a basketball, though, Bronny has stayed the course and just focused on improving his game. At only seventeen years old, the heir apparent to the King's throne exudes the same confidence and appeal as his LeBron. Bronny’s game is built on superior basketball fundamentals, and he is classified as 6-foot-2, which makes him very versatile. He has a shifty handle, a great shooting stroke, and an exceptional finishing ability just like his dad. His selfless play and constant effort on both sides of the floor give the impression that he can play at the next level.
Rankings on Bronny are in the same range. ESPN's top 100 ranks him as a four-star-recruit and as the 39th best player in the country. It’s not just his father’s clout that’s getting him the division one offers, he’s earning them himself through his personal achievements. Bronny is, without a doubt, a very appealing player for coaches and recruiters. He has so much potential, tons of skill, and an outstanding work ethic— the young star will be able to pick one of many paths to best position him for the NBA Draft when he becomes eligible in 2024.
As Bronny enters his final year at Sierra Canyon High School, he will field offers from almost every division one school in the country. All recruiters are aware of his potential and ability on the court, but what they are also aware of is that with Bronny comes LeBron and his household name. To any college, that’s a big boost in merchandise, TV deals, ticket sales, and media attention. Ensuring that the college that Bronny commits to has genuine investment in his value as a player and is not just interested in his name will be an obstacle for the James family. Any basketball coach with good intentions can see that this is the perfect opportunity to bring a very talented prospect into their program and get him ready for the league, along with packing games all season long.
According to ESPN, five schools have already reached out and given him offers to play division one basketball: Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon, and USC. These are all schools that make big splashes in March Madness and cultivate winning environments. Bronny has made the wise decision to finish his senior year until he commits. He has plenty of time to raise his recruiting stock and break into those elite five-star rankings before his high school career comes to a close.
The other path that Bronny could take to the NBA is going to the NBA G League, but Bronny has decided he wants to go to college instead. The G League could’ve been a good opportunity for Bronny to escape the media swarm waiting for him at the college, but Bronny wants to have the excitement of playing at a top school against top talent.
The NBA will be waiting for Bronny regardless of the path he chooses to take. LeBron is entering his 20th season in the NBA and is without a doubt the most influential player in the league. Lebron has said multiple times that he doesn’t plan to retire until he gets to play with his son. Teams are lining up to draft Bronny and lure in Lebron. At this point, Bronny going to the NBA is inevitable.
By Avner Belsky