The Case for Bronny James in 2024…

[GreenlyGreeny]

In all likelihood we will have a pick in the 20s in 2024, the year Bronny James will presumably enter the draft. Hopefully it will be the 30th overall pick. Bronny is projected to be a top 40 college entrant next year, so what are the odds at this point he accelerates to the next level and truly becomes an elite NBA player someday? Fairly low considering he’s only 6’3 and 18 years old. But other college entrants in that range have made it to the NBA and contributed, some even as starters. So that would not be too bad for a pick at the end of the first-round. But here’s the real case for why we should use our 2024 first on Bronny: LeBron James has basically structured his contract so he can opt-out to play anywhere Bronny lands in 2024. He has previously stated that money does not matter to him compared to playing with Bronny, so odds are if someone drafts and holds Bronny they are going to get LeBron at the MLE, a similar situation to what Karl Malone did in 2003-2004 (albeit LeBron chasing Bronny, not just a ring like Mailman did).

After the draft in 2024, we are likely heading into a free agency where JB is an unrestricted free agent. Being able to get LeBron to lobby JB to re-sign so JT, JB and LeBron can all try to win a title together with Bronny could be the difference between maintaining our JB/JT duo indefinitely or not (as many of you know, I am terrified of losing JB in the 2024 free agency). In addition, LeBron can impart some wisdom upon JT/JB still, particularly if we’ve yet to win a title at that point. Finally, it would be great to tarnish the Lakers by having one of the best players they ever had finish his career as a Celtic (just like we did with Shaq).

The alternative scenario is we deal JB before the 2024 free agency. In that scenario, drafting Bronny could likely convince the Lakers to part with their 2028 or 2029 first (unprotected) so the Lakers can be the ones to showcase LeBron/Bronny in 2024-2025. Turning a low 2024 first into a potential top five pick 4-5 years later is definitely a bet worth taking. Or we could run the same situation of bringing in LeBron to pair with JT and whoever we land for JB (Durant? Yes, please! Can you imagine JT/KD/LeBron/Bronny? The ratings would be incredible).

Additional thoughts on the matter?

[greg683x]

Hard no.

Anyone who drafts Bronny on their team is going to have to deal with outside pressure and attention that can influence basketball decisions that won’t have winning as the top priority, that’ll increase 10 fold if we end up with both Lebron and son on the same team

[celticsclay]

Very pointless thread greenly. I know you can do better.

[gouki88]

Immediately knew who authored this thread just from the title.

[BASS_THUMPER]

*sippin*

[knuckleballer]

Bronny has been falling in the rankings.  Rivals now has him at #61 in his class and that only includes American players.

https://n.rivals.com/content/athletes/lebron-james-jr-236518?view=pv

https://n.rivals.com/prospect_rankings/rivals150/2023

[Neurotic Guy]

Of all available hypotheticals in the world, why this one?

[Sophomore]

If JB is finals MVP, greenly will write a thread explaining this is the best time to trade him - sell high.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

No way. I don’t want LeBron in any way associated with the Celtics, or anywhere near the team.

[SparzWizard]

LeBron will want to be part owner, GM, and coach of the Boston Celtics if that happens

[Atzar]

Jeez dude.  Pour yourself a cold one and stop worrying about something that may or may not be a problem nearly two years from now.

Our team has a chance to be special.  Stop looking for excuses to trade Jaylen and just enjoy the moment.

[Moranis]

Bryce is Lebron's son that is looking a real legit NBA player.  Bronny has always been much more of a fringe NBA player, and even now he has been tailing off.  I don't know if it is the pressure, if he just sort of peaked, or if the extra focus he gets as an upper classman has exposed him a bit more, but as knuckleballer says, his recruiting rank has been going the wrong way over the last few months.  That could obviously change with an elite senior season, but Bronny's skill set is much closer to that of his father than a true PG, but he has a true PG's body.  That is what sets him and Bryce apart.  Bryce is much closer to his father physically.  He is going to have the body of a NBA SF if he keeps filling out like he should.  That makes him much more likely to succeed in the league than Bronny.

[slamtheking]

Immediately knew who authored this thread just from the title.

was going to post the same thing.  only one poster puts up anything this inane

[celticsclay]

Bryce is Lebron's son that is looking a real legit NBA player.  Bronny has always been much more of a fringe NBA player, and even now he has been tailing off.  I don't know if it is the pressure, if he just sort of peaked, or if the extra focus he gets as an upper classman has exposed him a bit more, but as knuckleballer says, his recruiting rank has been going the wrong way over the last few months.  That could obviously change with an elite senior season, but Bronny's skill set is much closer to that of his father than a true PG, but he has a true PG's body.  That is what sets him and Bryce apart.  Bryce is much closer to his father physically.  He is going to have the body of a NBA SF if he keeps filling out like he should.  That makes him much more likely to succeed in the league than Bronny.

Great informed posts. Tp mo.

[Birdman]

How many sons of pro athletes ever make it? Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., and couple more and that’s it..I don’t see Bron making it