Players selected in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft will average just 22 games during the 2023/24 season. While it is difficult to predict the future development of these players, it is not easy for them to quickly take an official position in the teams in the most prestigious arena in the world.

This is also the future prospect of Bronny James, the eldest son of superstar LeBron James. This player has just announced his participation in the 2024 NBA Draft despite not being highly rated. Some comments say that Bronny James’ decision was influenced by LeBron James, when the 39-year-old superstar wanted to play with his son for at least 1 year before retiring.

LeBron James’s desires, combined with the fact that his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers expires in the summer of 2024, have led some to speculate that any team that takes the risk of selecting Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft will sign him in the 2024/25 season. However, there are also opinions that Bronny James should be patient instead of succumbing to the pressure of “maturing early” from his father.

Should Bronny James enter the 2024 NBA Draft?
Remember, Bronny James was hospitalized for cardiac arrest less than 10 months ago while training at USC. That incident forced Bronny James to stop all sports activities for 3 months. Although many people said that Bronny James would have to undergo surgery and possibly retire permanently, the player born in 2004 still participated in the 2023/24 season at USC.

Over the course of 25 games, Bronny James averaged 4.8 points per 20 minutes for USC. These are fairly average results compared to thousands of other college players, and evidence that Bronny James is not ready to step into the professional arena.

(NBAE via Getty Images)
For that reason, any team that selects Bronny James in the 2024 NBA Draft will certainly not be aiming to use this player. They understand that having Bronny James means having the signature of LeBron James, who comes with fame, public interest, and leadership skills, and is playing at the top level even at the age of 39. Losing a pick in exchange for such things is too cheap for any team in the NBA.

LeBron James has repeatedly stated that he will not put pressure on his son, but many actions such as being willing to “do everything” to play 1 year with Bronny James have shown the opposite. As time goes by, LeBron James’ career may come to an end. However, there are still new directions for LeBron James and his son in the near future.

Remember, even though he is 39 years old, LeBron James’ performance last season showed that he is capable of playing at the top level for at least 2 more years. It would be safer to not put too much pressure on Bronny James, let him gain experience in college for 1 more year and return for the 2025 NBA Draft.

Not to mention, returning to college means Bronny James can complete his transfer in the summer of 2024. USC has too many talented players in Bronny James’ position and that would limit his ability to play. A transfer to Duquesne, where coach Dru Joyce, a close friend of LeBron James, would give Bronny more time to mature.

This would be extremely meaningful for Bronny. This player needs a healthy season, needs the opportunity to play regularly in the best conditions and develop skills close to NBA level. That is the best path for Bronny James, as well as allowing LeBron James to focus on playing at the top level for a while longer instead of having to watch his son grow up.