USC Basketball: Despite Poor Recent Play, Multiple Teams Eye Bronny James For NBA Draft
An injury to one of the Trojans' top players Isaiah Collier has opened the door to Bronny James having started the team's past two games.
He's struggled, going scoreless in his first start (0-7 from the field), but he put up 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists versus Arizona on Wednesday night.
Even then, however, he had 5 turnovers, marking a clear concern that he might not be NBA-ready.
Despite this, James continues to pop up on teams' draft boards, with his upside as a two-way player, perhaps a bit more off the ball than he plays at USC, generating major value for him as a prospect.
His NBA player comparisons include Derrick White, who has been a solid player throughout his career and is a critical connective piece on the Boston Celtics, who are arguably the league's best team. His two-way impact is appreciated at all times, and his ability to hit open, contested, on-, and off-ball 3-point shots is incredibly valuable.
James is also far more athletic than White, as his explosiveness on both sides of the ball creates the big-play potential that most prospects don't have.
Bronny's sturdy frame is also more unique at the guard position, resembling another Celtic, Jrue Holiday, who is a matchup nightmare for countless players across the league, as he's often too big/strong for guards, while his feet and hands are too quick for bigger players.
