The Phoenix Suns will hold a workout with Bronny James ahead of next month’s NBA draft, league sources said Friday.
Phoenix has the No. 22 pick and James is one of several players being considered. James has more than 10 training invitations, but is only expected to visit a few teams, including the Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. The NBA Draft will take place on June 26 and 27.
The Phoenix Suns will hold a workout with Bronny James ahead of the June NBA draft, sources say. Phoenix has the 22nd pick and he is one of several players being considered. Bronny has more than 10 practice invites, but is only expected to visit a few teams, including the Lakers and Suns. pic.twitter.com/3s7ElKRe0P
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 24, 2024
James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, will remain in the NBA Draft after one season at USC. James, who suffered a cardiac arrest last July before returning to the court for his freshman season, has been fully cleared to play by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Committee.
Despite not being considered a top prospect, James was not included in Athleticism– his last name’s post-lottery draft and return to the field following a serious health issue make him one of the standout players in this year’s draft class.
There’s also the added intrigue of whether James and his father could become teammates. LeBron has expressed a desire to finish his career playing alongside his son.
James participated in the NBA Draft Combine earlier this month, standing 6-foot-1 1/2 without shoes but with a 6-7 1/4 wingspan. He had the sixth best maximum vertical jump and is tied for 11th best standing vertical jump.
At the combine in Chicago, he said his goal was simply to make it to the league.
“My dream has always been to get my name out there, make a name for myself and, of course, make it to the NBA,” he said. “What is the end goal of everyone here. I never thought about playing with my father, but of course he talked about it several times.
The Suns, led by their big three Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, went 49-33 this season and were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
What do the Suns need at No. 22?
The Suns this week announced their name for the G-League – the Valley Suns – and the venue where they will play next season – Mullett Arena, a hockey facility at Arizona State University. After the announcement, Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein took questions from a small group of reporters when general manager James Jones stopped by.
“Want to answer some questions, James?” » said Bartelstein.
“No, I love it,” Jones replied, picking up his pace.
“Who do you take with the 22nd pick?” » said Bartelstein. “And are they going to play here?
Everyone laughed.
Since the end of a disappointing season, Phoenix’s offseason plan, particularly as it relates to the draft, has been a topic of daily conversation. With the 22nd pick, the financially constrained Suns need a player who can contribute immediately. It’s probably not James. He could play and develop at Mullett Arena, a few miles from where the Suns play in downtown Phoenix. But that won’t help the Suns, built around the star power of Booker, Durant and Beal, get any closer to a title immediately. Their window won’t stay open forever. Some think it is already closed.
Of course, there’s the LeBron factor. Is it possible that recruiting James could help the Suns lure LeBron to the desert on a minimum contract? Probably not. But if you’re Jones and owner Mat Ishbia, it doesn’t hurt to explore. — Doug Haller, Arizona Senior Writer
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(Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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