Bronny James among 78 players invited to NBA Draft Combine

There are mysteries in every class, but this one is considered one of the worst of all-time by multiple executives. That means it could be a free-for-all in the weeks leading up to the two-night event (June 26-27). A talent’s projected placement could spike drastically based on how this pre-draft process unfolds. The NBA Combine offers rookie hopefuls the perfect chance to increase their stock.

The biggest wild card who is bound to fluctuate from one mock draft to another is Bronny James, the son of current Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA icon LeBron James.

The combine could be a pivotal showcase for Bronny James

Many believe James is not ready to make the leap to the professionals, and his paltry 36.6 shooting percentage only reinforces this skepticism.

There are two factors working in the USC guard’s favor, though– his defensive skill set and teams’ desire to land his father in free agency. James can clinch a spot in the top-60 with a strong showing in the NBA Draft Combine. How he performs in Chicago could ultimately determine whether fans will see him playing alongside his dad next year, or back in college for at least another season.

Bronny James is well accustomed to pressure at this stage of his life, but the heat will be turned up this month. Either way, expect the combine’s ratings to surge in 2024. He and fellow Trojans guard Isaiah Collier should be dialed in, as they each try to remind scouts why USC basketball was viewed as a preseason top-25 program last year.

But there are many other prospects who will command their fair share of the spotlight at the NBA Draft Combine.

Can the No. 1 overall pick be earned in Chicago?

Depending on which franchise wins the lottery next week, there are multiple players who could vie for the top slot in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The G League Ignite figure to be well represented at the festivities, particularly early in the first round, with Ron Holland II and Matas Buzelis both projected to go near the top-five from various outlets. Alex Sarr and Nikola Topic, who headline the international prospect pool, could be the first two individuals to greet Adam Silver at the podium.

That leaves the NCAA talent in limbo. But guys like Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham, UConn’s Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan, Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht and Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter should all arrive on time for their post-draft parties.

Though, with there being so much parity in this group, none of them can afford to take the NBA Combine lightly. Their excitement cannot surpass their focus or work ethic. The next phase of this life-changing pursuit begins next Sunday.