Draft Position Not Expected to Impact Bronny James’s Draft Decision, per Report

The USC freshman could enter the draft even if he is not expected to be a lottery pick.

USC freshman guard Bronny James’s potential draft decision is expected to be centered around specific team interest, and not draft position, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Saturday.

Paul, who is the longtime agent of LeBron James, will represent Bronny whenever he officially goes pro. 

“I don’t value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation,” Paul said. 

Bronny James has averaged 5.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in nearly 20 minutes per game at USC this season. James was expected to have an even bigger role in the rotation at the outset of the season, but after going into cardiac arrest during a workout last summer, he was sidelined for nearly five months. James eventually returned to action in mid-December.

While LeBron James has voiced his interest in playing with Bronny before his retires, he “wants Bronny to be his own man,” Paul said.

Bronny is not expected to be a lottery pick if he does declare for the 2024 NBA draft, but given his lineage, his development will be closely followed as he continues his basketball career.