Bronny James is the most discussed teenager on the planet. Countless tweets have been sent about his upside (or lack there of) for an NBA team. Countless articles have been written about how a team can draft Bronny in an attempt to lure LeBron James to their squad. This week, countless people have looked at Bronny's combine measurements and asked the question, "what if Bronny played slot corner?"
Add this article to the count.
Bronny James is one of the most mercurial draft prospects I can remember. He doesn't do anything at an elite level. His handle lacks, the release on his jumper is slow, he's an average athlete, the list goes on. James can defend well for his position, but his small stature limits his switchability on that end of the floor.
For some, James isn't even on the NBA radar. Notably, ESPN left the eldest James boy out of their two-round mock draft.
So, why should the Pelicans even moderately consider taking a swing on James? According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, James makes up for his on-court deficit with massive off-the-court potential whatever G-League squad he's likely to start his career on.
Teams are intrigued by Bronny James because of the financial impact he will have on their G League level at the beginning of his career, per @wojespn:
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 14, 2024
“He will pack G League arenas, merchandising. All of those make him an attractive player.”
Bronny could go late first-round. pic.twitter.com/4gHrAXDQTV
The Birmingham Squadron could use some juice, right? I believe that Wojnarowski is slightly inflating the potential numbers that Bronny would bring the G-League, but he may be on to something.
The other reason is why everyone may take a swing on Bronny James. The chance of his dad, LeBron James, joining their squad in free agency. The GOAT (yes, I said it) carries a player option in his contract that allows him to become a free agent this summer. The elder James has stated on many an occasion that he's hopeful to play with one of his sons, if not both, before he hangs up his sneakers for the last time.
Would LeBron sign with New Orleans in free agency? Probably not. It's not a flashy destination (like Los Angeles or Miami), and it's not home (Cleveland). But, if the Pelicans take the swing on Bronny James, the potential of a Zion Williamson/LeBron James pairing in the Big Easy becomes even semi-possible, and the Pelicans may think that juice is worth the squeeze.