“Might Go in the Lottery”: Bronny James’ NBA Draft Stock Soars After 6’10 Warriors Prospect Withdraws Last Minute

Bronny James has already been accumulating a lot of attention with the latest update from his agent, Rich Paul, regarding his draft stay. The 19-year-old has got the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns interested with his performance at the combine in Chicago. He scored 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting during the scrimmage on May 15. Even Lakers owner Rob Pelinka was there to observe the young prospect. However, there is no doubt that Bronny is still a diamond in the rough, according to his agent. Even the NBA fanatics went after Bronny for the same thing after one of the highest-paid NIL college basketball players, Coleman Hawkins, made a big decision.

As per reporter Bret Herens, former Illinois Fighting Illini forward has withdrawn from the NBA draft and has entered the transfer portal. At the draft combine earlier this month, when Hawkins was asked about his plans for a new school, he replied, “I will never play in the Big Ten again; I wouldn’t play in the Big East. I would go somewhere where I can enjoy a football game.” Though the expected NBA talent won’t enter the NBA draft, he will transfer to a new program, as per the Athletic insider Shams Charania. Interestingly, Hawkins also worked out for the Warriors ahead of last year’s draft. But somehow, the 6’10” athlete decided to reject the deal and go to school for senior year.

Shams also stated that Hawkins might become one of the highest-paid NIL college basketball players with his latest developments. But the pulling back from the draft is not for a break. Rather, Charania explained that Hawkins’ motive “is using the final year of eligibility for development.” However, the bold decision from the 22-year-old has caused trouble for Bronny James as NBA fans filled the comment section with various advice for LeBron James’ son ahead of his debut in the NBA draft.

Fans ask Bronny James to take inspiration from Coleman Hawkins

Though Bronny is looking to improve himself among the professionals along with his father at the league. A Warriors and 49ers fan posted a reaction on X, “Bronny should take some notes.” This fan was referring here to the unpolished skills of Bronny James that he could have worked on. Another fan shared the same opinion as the previous one, commenting, “Bronny should do the same.” It seemed like more of an order for Bronny rather than advice for his career ahead in basketball.

However, one of the fans brought out the nepotism angle in it. While talking about Bronny James’ father, LeBron, the user wrote on X, “Too bad his dad wasn’t Lebron James. I think at this point, Klutch sports is now paying nba draft prospects to withdraw so Bronny has a higher chance in being drafted LOL.😂” Well, it is not new to enjoy the privilege of being relative to a basketball superstar. However, it was Hawkins’ own decision to withdraw from the draft.

One of the female fans of basketball shared a new aspect with her comment on X. Reacting to Charania’s announcement of Coleman’s draft pullout, she commented regarding Bronny, “Bronny might actually go in the lottery💀” The fan here was projecting to the lottery pick done to players that are not under consideration. It was a kind of satire for Bronny, as his worth in the NBA is being questioned. However, their reaction is not practical as the young prospect is considered for the league.

Overall, the decision from Coleman Hawkins helped the fans to vent their disappointment on Bronny. However, the logic was right from the side of NBA fanatics, as James’ son still needs to work on his skills. Still, it is a long process and takes time. If Bronny wants to teach himself among the professionals, it’s all between the teams and him. Yet it will be worth watching what fate has in its bag for Bronny. Until then, watch out for what Shaq’s confidante and ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.