LAS VEGAS — USC's season ended Thursday afternoon with a 70-49 loss to No. 1 seed Arizona in the Pac-12 Tournament.
With the end of USC's difficult 15-18 season comes the draft that will determine the team's NBA potential. Predicted lottery pick Isaiah Collier is expected to enter the 2024 draft. Bronny James has long been viewed by NBA teams as a candidate to turn pro after his freshman year, as he could have joined his father on the team, but a different type of decision process awaits. .
Just getting back on the court this season was a huge accomplishment for James, who suffered a cardiac arrest during training last July that turned out to be a byproduct of a congenital heart defect. After five months out, James returned to the Trojans on Dec. 10 and worked his way from the bench to a regular spot.
James played in 25 games and finished the season averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. Numbers alone don't paint a complete picture of a one-and-done prospect, but NBA teams are preparing behind the scenes for James to eventually enter the 2024 draft, just like any other prospect. It's here. Explore professional opportunities. Whether he chooses to remain in the draft is less clear at this point.
LeBron James has been vocal about his desire to share the court with his eldest son as a professional. He also said Bronny will decide for himself whether to enter the draft. This situation creates a dynamic around the proposition that drafting Bronny could improve the team's chances of adding LeBron in free agency. Whether it happens in 2024 or in the future. James has until June 29 to decide whether to exercise his $51.4 million player option with the Lakers.
Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and longtime agent of LeBron James, told ESPN earlier this month that Bronny would make a decision based on the team's specific interest, not draft position. Ta.
“I don't place as much importance on young players getting into the lottery as getting them into the right team with the right development situation,” Paul said.
Because of his heart condition, the NBA's Fitness to Play Committee will need to clear James to play, but at that point health issues will be left to each team and its doctor. Athletes must declare early entry by April 23, and the NCAA withdrawal deadline is May 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
To better understand how NBA teams view James as an NBA prospect and his potential draft picks, ESPN agreed to speak candidly on condition of anonymity.3 We spoke to several NBA executives.
These interviews have been lightly condensed and edited for clarity.
