Bronny James isn’t an NBA prospect, end of story.
But… if the right team drafts him, it almost certainly guarantees a meeting with Lebron James and Rich Paul this summer. That meeting is worth a 2nd round pick, especially in a draft as poor as this one.
Let’s examine the teams:
Philadelphia- Armed with $60 million in cap space and desperate to put a championship caliber team around Embiid, the 76ers are projected to have 3 picks in this years draft: #20, #36 and #50.
We know that Morey is a risk taker, so #50 is probably Bronny’s floor. But does he have the courage to take Bronny at #36?
New York- It’s widely speculated that Lebron used his appearance at MSG this season to send a message to the Lakers: “Make some moves or I will.”
The Knicks have done a phenomenal job of rebuilding around breakout star Jalen Brunson and would be a legitimate contender with Lebron. A championship in New York would only add to Lebron’s legacy.
The Knicks own 3 picks this: #19, #21 and #41. More importantly they have enough future draft capital to compensate the Lakers in a sign & trade. Drafting Bronny at #41 would be a wise move on their part.
Cleveland- The Cavaliers, a franchise that has become synonymous with Lebron James, are having their best season since his departure. With Donovan Mitchell’s wandering eye and a roster boasting All-Star caliber players at every position except SF, acquiring the greatest SF of all time would seem to solve all of their problems.
The Cavs only have 1 pick this year: #27 in the first round.
Now we have to consider, is there a chance that Bronny James is drafted in the 1st round, in what would be a blatant case of nepotism? Would news about the Cavs interest at #27 prompt the 76ers or Knicks to take him in the early 20s? And if that’s the case, does Miami throw their hat in the ring and take him at #16?
…of course Bronny could also return to USC for his sophomore season, but that’s no fun
