What Does Bronny James’ Combine Invite Mean for Draft Outlook?

What Does Bronny James’ Draft Combine Invite Mean for NBA Future?

The eldest son of hoops phenom LeBron James is coming off an underwhelming freshman showing with the Trojans.

Averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game, James was a replacement-level rotation player just considering his production. Extrapolating his averages to their per 100 possession averages (14.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals) paints a more promising picture. This is far from an arbitrary comparison, as there are about 100 possessions per game in the NBA. However, his inability to find the bottom of the net (.366-.267-.676 shooting splits) was alarming. A passive scorer with iffy ball-handling as well, there are real doubts about his ability to excel offensively.

Indeed, many are of the belief that he should return to college for another season, perhaps heading to Duquesne for a larger offensive role.

Is Bronny a Point Guard?

To that point, putting James on the ball more could completely change his pre-draft outlook. Playing him as the point guard —leaning into his basketball IQ and passing ability —would do him and the team favors. It also serves the purpose of making him more aggressive, which is what many would like to see from the 19-year-old.

James’ feel for the game is appreciated. However, to be a viable scoring threat, teams have to at least believe you want to shoot the ball. Just look at Ben Simmons amid his physical decline.

That scene is the backdrop for James as he heads to the NBA Combine. His many doubters believe him to be overrated and overhyped. Those that see him as a legitimate NBA player are impressed by his feel, IQ, and defensive tenacity. Neither group is likely to be sure whether they’ve seen the best he has to offer.

That said, here’s what could make or break James’ draft stock ahead of the withdrawal deadline (May 29).

Measurements

James is currently listed at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds. That’s decent but not great size for a shooting guard at the next level. However, player’s measurements at the Combine are often different than what’s listed on team or stat sites.

That said, if James is shorter than 6-foot-4, that increases his need to have ball-handling duties at the next level. As it so happens, dribbling may be James’ weakest skill offensively despite his inefficiency. As a result, his draft stock could take a hit.

This would also be a reason for James to head to Duquesne. There, he could hone his skills as an on-ball playmaker. That said, he could do the same spending the bulk of his rookie season in the G League.

Conversely, if James is measured at about 6-foot-4 or taller (as players his age are often still growing), it lends itself to his projection as a 3-and-D wing. In that event, James may be a late first-round or early second-round pick. While his 3-point percentage last season was woeful, he already has the ‘D’ down pat.

Scrimmage

If James plays well against first-round prospects in the NBA Combine Scrimmage, it will definitely enhance his chances of being drafted. It may not guarantee that he himself is selected in the first-round. Yet, even that becomes a more legitimate possibility.

Of course, if he plays badly or doesn’t stand out, it could lead to a far different outcome. In such a scenario, even James may feel it’s better that he returns to school for another year.