Bronny James says he admires Steph Curry and that his NBA future might not be with LeBron… See more
At the NBA draft combine on Monday night, Bronny James entered the floor with the intention of writing his own story—despite the fact that dozens of cameras were following him everywhere. James was among the final groups to complete the strength and agility drills on the first day in Chicago, but a number of executives, including Rob Pelinka, the vice president of the Los Angeles Lakers, stayed in the seats at Wintrust Arena to watch him work out.
James put together an impressive first day. He recorded a 40.5-inch vertical leap, which was the fourth highest among combine participants with solid marks relative to his peers in the agility drills. He shot 19-for-25 in the 3-point shooting drill, which ranked second overall. And despite measuring at 6-foot-1 without shoes, his wingspan of 6-foot-7¼ and 210-pound frame were still comparable to NBA players such as Gabe Vincent or Gary Harris.
James went on to participate in scrimmages the next two days, and scouts who spoke to ESPN this week applauded James for his performance and the way he filled a role to help his team win, hit open shots and played defense with enthusiasm.
In front of the watchful eyes of NBA executives, his combine performance — from the measurables to the intangibles — catapulted him up the ESPN Top 100 rankings, rising from No. 98 overall to No. 54. In a matter of days, his projection went from outside of the top 100 prospects to a potential second-round selection ahead of the June 26-27 NBA draft.
James initially was not among the most impressive of the 78 prospects invited to the combine, but instead he was somewhere in the middle of the pack. But most importantly, by the end of the combine, he looked like he belonged.
Bronny James has so far lived under the shadow of his superstar father, LeBron James. For years, his name has made headlines for his father’s desire to play beside him before his career ends. LeBron James, 39, a four-time MVP and NBA champion, just completed his 21st season and could become a free agent this summer if he opts out of his contract with the Lakers. But he recently said he hasn’t “given much thought lately” to teaming up with his oldest son in the NBA.
