Getty Image / Ronald Martinez
Bronny James‘ NBA future got a big update this week.
For the first time, he was projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
While that draft projection came with some praise for the development of Bronny’s game, it turns out there may be anther factor involved in him potentially being a top-10 pick.
According to 247 Sports’ Travis Branham, Bronny projects to be more of a role player in the NBA, but an overall weak class could make him a lottery pick.
Could Bronny James really be a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft?
It’s complicated. || Story: https://t.co/niOVGQwOwt pic.twitter.com/kpcPXoyWTh
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) February 23, 2023
Bronny’s draft stock is admittedly a difficult one to figure out. Historically, he hasn’t played or won at an elite level, although he has been improving at a rapid rate over the last 12 months. Betting on him being a lottery pick, or even a first-rounder alone is certainly a bet on the development curve
He isn’t the only one who has a more reserved projection for Bronny’s NBA career. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony compared him to De’Anthony Melton with the potential to be Marcus Smart or Jrue Holiday.
ESPN’s @DraftExpress on Bronny James:
“You’re looking at a De’Anthony Melton, Marcus Smart, best case a Jrue Holiday type player — a phenomenal role player who impacts winning at the highest level.”
(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/tnPA3pXAaY
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 23, 2023
Marcus Smart was a lottery pick back in 2014 and the pick has definitely paid off for the Celtics as he has become one of the league’s best defensive players while also being able to contribute on offense.
Holiday was taken just outside of the lottery and has also turned into a strong defender. He has even gotten a couple of All-Star nods.
Melton was a 2nd round pick and while he has carved out a solid career for himself, he isn’t exactly what you’re looking for in the lottery.
Bronny has plenty of time to continue developing and change his NBA comps, but for now, it looks like he has some work to do to make a team feel confident in him as a lottery pick.