Rich Paul - Bronny James's '24 draft call based on team interest

Rich Paul – Bronny James’s ’24 draft call based on team interest،

Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPNMarch 3, 2024, 02:02

USC freshman guard Bronny James should evaluate his entry into the 2024 NBA Draft based on the team's specific interests, not his draft position, the CEO of USC told ESPN on Saturday. Klutch Sports, Rich Paul.

“I don't value a young player entering the lottery as much as putting him on the right team, in the right developmental situation,” Paul told ESPN on Saturday.

Plus, Paul said, the right team doesn't necessarily equate to landing on a roster with his father, LeBron James — although LeBron James would be “head over heels if it were to happen organically,” Paul said.

“LeBron wants Bronny to be his own man,” Paul told ESPN.

After suffering cardiac arrest during a July practice at USC, Bronny James was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that kept him sidelined for nearly five months. He was cleared to resume his career, made his USC debut on December 11 and averaged 5.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in nearly 20 minutes per game.

Before the serious cardiac episode and long layoff, James was expected to be a major contributor for the Trojans this season. Out of Sierra Canyon High School, ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony ranked James in the top 15 in the 2024 NBA draft class.

Due to his heart condition, James will also need to be evaluated and approved by the NBA Fitness to Play Panel. The 2025 NBA draft class is considered much stronger than the 2024 class, which could also be part of James' calculation on when is the right time to enter the draft.