Bronny James will not feature for his new team for two seasons following the NBA draft later this month, according to former Minnesota Timberwolves first-round pick Rashad McCants.
Guard James has drawn ample attention because of his NBA legend father, LeBron James, although some commentators have suggested that the 19-year-old should spend more time in college basketball before being selected.
McCants appears to be one observer who feels James has plenty of developing to do after averaging little more than 19 minutes during his year with USC.
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“He won’t be playing in the first two years,” said McCants, causing a murmur of surprise during a Gil’s Arena debate. “That’s fine.”
McCants dismissed All-Rookie First Team choice Brandon Jennings when he asked: “You don’t think he’s going to touch the NBA court at all? His first year?”
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Bronny James career
James missed the first month of action for USC because of a cardiac arrest during pre-season practice but has been cleared to play.
The second-round prospect will not be signing a two-way deal which would allow him to move between the NBA and its developmental G-League.
Part of McCants’ argument centred on Emoni Bates, who was last year’s 49th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers but featured in only 15 regular-season games.
“Bronny is not close to Emoni as far as that type of game,” said McCants, who has previously questioned James junior’s potential to flourish in the NBA.
Rashad McCants: “[Bronny James] is not going play the first two years. It’s cool.”
Brandon Jennings: “You don’t think he’s gone touch the NBA court at all?… His first year?”
Rashad: “Nah.” 👀
(via @GilsArenaShow)pic.twitter.com/tTZwQzDKq0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 24, 2024
Bronny James draft: ‘Ups and downs’
Announcing his decision to enter the draft earlier this year, James said he would maintain his college eligibility and thanked his doctors and trainers.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but [it has] all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” he added.
James, who has more than eight million Instagram followers, will be one of the most high-profile participants in the 78th edition of the draft, which takes place at New York’s Barclays Center from June 26-27.
