In a surprising turn of events, bettors are heavily backing Bronny James for the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite his modest college performance, the son of NBA legend LeBron James is attracting significant betting interest.
Bronny James and the Betting Frenzy
As of Monday, Bronny James has garnered 22.5% of all bets to go No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft at BetMGM sportsbooks. This figure ties him with French standout Alexandre Sarr, a 7-foot-1 big man who currently has the best odds at -300. Despite this surge in betting activity, BetMGM still lists Bronny at +20000 odds to be the first pick.
This betting trend raises eyebrows, particularly considering Bronny’s performance at USC. In his lone season, he averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 36.6% shooting over 25 games. His measurements at the NBA Draft Combine revealed he is 6-foot-1.5 without shoes, marking him as undersized for a guard.
Expert Opinions and Analysis
An NBA scout, speaking to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, expressed skepticism about Bronny’s draft prospects. “Bronny is an undersized non-shooting guard,” the scout remarked. “The shot looks good but doesn’t go in. Those guys scare me the most. It’s either lack of touch or mental, and either way, those take years to correct.”
Jonathan Wasserman, an NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report, also weighed in, noting the stark contrast between Bronny and Alexandre Sarr. “Alex Sarr figures to be No. 1 on some teams’ boards behind the idea that his defense is a lock and his open-floor ball-handling and shotmaking development will continue,” Wasserman explained. “Theoretically, no other top prospect has the potential to impact games at both ends like Sarr, a 7’1″ shot-blocker who can slide with guards, hit threes, knock down pull-ups and fallaways, attack closeouts, and occasionally initiate fast breaks.”
Bronny James Potential Landing Spots
While speculation abounds about Bronny potentially joining his father in Los Angeles, there are other plausible destinations. Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports reports that the Utah Jazz, holding the 32nd overall pick, have shown interest in an individual workout with the young guard. This indicates that while Bronny might not be a top pick, he could still find a home in the NBA and develop his skills further.
Conclusion
The buzz around Bronny James in the lead-up to the 2024 NBA Draft highlights the fascinating intersection of celebrity and sports. While his betting odds suggest a high level of public interest, expert analysis remains cautious. As the draft approaches, it will be intriguing to see how Bronny’s journey unfolds and whether he can defy expectations to carve out his own legacy in the NBA.
