Anonymous NBA executives believe a return to college would be helpful for USC guard Bronny James, who just completed his first season in college.
“If he comes back, I think he's going to have a better year. I hope his health is completely stable and he can train and focus for a full year and maybe lower his expectations and just be able to play.” “It will be,” one executive said. He spoke in part to ESPN's Jeremy Wu, who spoke with three anonymous NBA front office members about James' professional future. “I think that would be really helpful.”
James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, braved significant hardship just to play this season after suffering cardiac arrest while training at the University of Southern California on July 24. . A congenital heart defect caused his cardiac arrest.
James made his season debut on December 10, one month after the start of the 2023-24 season. In the end, he averaged 4.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in 19.3 minutes per game.
Those aren't impressive numbers for a draft prospect, but he spent much of the offseason recovering from potentially life-threatening health issues. He didn't have the benefit of an entire offseason of training or a preseason with his teammates. In other words, it's easy to take his statistics at face value.
James entered USC as a five-star prospect ranked No. 22 in the 247Sports Composite's 2023 men's basketball player class. He clearly has the potential to play better, which is probably why his executives believe he should spend one more year in school before turning pro.
Another executive told Wu: “I recommend him to come back just because he didn't get off to a good start this season.”
“He was delayed due to a heart attack, being off the team, rehab, etc. So I think he'll come back and continue to fine-tune those skills.” [would help]Because the offseason is when you really develop. ”
A third executive agreed that a full offseason would be of great benefit to James, who also said he sees the potential for a big jump between his freshman and sophomore seasons. also mentioned.
“If he comes back, he's going to have a whole offseason. That's the biggest thing for me. You see kids grow so much from year one to year two, and I think he's going to play a role. I hope that they will understand their place and come back.''
“I don't think he knew, and I don't think USC knew at all this year. I felt like in some games he was very important to them, but in other games they forced him to spend time.” It was like, “If he comes back,'' I think after another year, he'll have a pretty solid understanding of where he stands, and it won't be such a lopsided team next year.'' right. [USC guard and potential lottery pick Isaiah Collier] I'm planning to leave. ”
We'll soon find out what James decides to do. If he declares for the draft, he must do so by April 27th. In that case, James would have until June 16th to opt out or move forward with the process of turning pro. In the latter case, the draft is set for June 26-27. If he is not drafted, James has the option of returning to school.
