The NBA Finals are still ongoing but the order for the 58 draft selections in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft has already been set. And one team picking later already knows who they want: LeBron “Bronny” James Jr.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein via Bleacher Report, the Dallas Mavericks “would have interest” in drafting the USC star and son of the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with the No. 58 overall and final pick that they hold. But there’s a wrinkle.
Per the report, the Mavericks seem to expect that Bronny will not be available by the end of the draft.
Bronny James is a polarizing prospect in the draft for a litany of reasons.
On one hand, he didn’t play much let alone do much in his one season with the Trojans. In 25 games, he averaged less than 20 minutes and under five points per game.
On the other hand, his father is a major X-factor in the entire thing. Between LeBron’s incredible physique and the likelihood that he’ll want to play for whichever team signs Bronny to a contract, drafting him for that reason is almost like a 2-for-1 deal.
Will Bronny hear his name called by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the Draft later this month?