Former USC Trojans reserve combo guard Bronny James, who's no sure thing to be selected in this summer's impending 2024 NBA Draft, is making waves at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago this week nevertheless.
Though the 19-year-old Sierra Canyon School product is listed at 6-foot-4, he actually measured in at 6-foot-1-and-a-half without shoes, according toJames, eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers All-Star forward LeBron James, posted a stunning 40.5-inch vertical, the fourth-best of any Draft Combine hopeful this year, according to Joe Doerrer of Strictly BBall:But that was just an appetizer for the strangest surprise of the day Monday.
In his 25 healthy contests for the Trojans , James averaged just 4.8 points on a patchy .366/.267/.676 shooting line, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 dimes and 0.8 steals a night. His 26.7 percent three point conversion rate, on 2.4 attempts, certainly didn't presage such an impactful performance at the pro level. Of course, nailing a bunch of treys without being defended by anybody figures to be markedly easier than doing so with, say, Anthony Edwards draped all over you.
But Cardinal and Gold fans are no doubt rooting for James to excel as he makes his way to the pros. And this at least is a positive sign that he may have some upside yet.