It’s safe to suggest that things haven’t gone according to the script for Bronny James in his freshman year of college basketball. Bronny decided to represent the University of Southern California after enjoying a successful senior season with Sierra Canyon. Going into his freshman season with the USC Trojans, massive expectations surrounded Bronny. However, even before his debut for the Trojans, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest in July 2023.
Many believed that this incident had the potential to seriously jeopardize Bronny’s burgeoning basketball career. But Bronny made a full recovery and made his debut for the USC Trojans on 10th December against the Long Beach State. While Bronny’s debut was met with great fanfare and attention, he has received nothing but criticism since then from fans and analysts alike. Bronny has struggled to fit into USC’s rotation, registering just 19.4 minutes per game in his freshman season. Moreover, his subpar performances for the Trojans have jeopardized his prospects for the 2024 NBA Draft. Amid the rising scrutiny, NBA executives have had their say on Bronny’s potential as an NBA player.
Anonymous NBA executive voices his support for Bronny
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According to ESPN’s latest draft projections, Bronny has been predicted to be a second-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft rather than the 2024 Draft. ESPN’s controversial draft projections have intensified scrutiny on Bronny and his potential in the NBA. However, an anonymous NBA executive feels that the scrutiny surrounding Bronny is unwarranted. During an interview with ESPN, they said, “I feel bad a little bit because [Bronny] gets raked over the coals more than other guys would at this point. He’s another freshman who’s doing all right, but he’s just under this pretty intense microscope, and through no action of his own. He’s done nothing wrong to anybody.”
Bronny’s rise to fame and the accompanying media attention were as certain as death and taxes. His association with LeBron James has made him one of the most sought after college athletes. However, being the firstborn of King James has its downsides too, and Bronny and LeBron are beginning to witness its after effects.
Bronny has averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the USC Trojans. While Bronny has the opportunity to enlist himself for the 2024 NBA Draft, several experts and analysts think that Bronny would play another year of college basketball. Moreover, another year of collegiate basketball could prove to be beneficial for Bronny’s long-term growth. What are your thoughts? Should Bronny remain at USC for another season? Let us know in the comments below!