Bill Simmons advises Celtics to pick Lebron James’ son Bronny James as an “asset” ahead of 2024 NBA draft
With a week until the 2024 NBA draft, talk around Bronny James continues to rise. The former USC player increased his stock when he defied experts' wisdom of staying in college and instead entered the combine. The defensive guard surprised fans with his 40-inch vertical and was the best shooting guard from the 3-point line.
James' surge fuels the narrative of his potential NBA team. The LA Lakers remain the hot shots to draft the youngster due to LeBron James's desire to form a father-son duo. Moreover, younger James' inclination to only work out with the Phoenix Suns and the Lakers makes him unreachable and leaves other franchises out in the cold.
Nevertheless, sports analyst Bill Simmons came up with a unique curveball. On "Awful Announcing" on Thursday, Simmons advised the Boston Celtics to daringly stoop in and pick Bronny James, only to use him as leverage against purple and gold.
“Why not take Bronny and you basically hold him hostage?" Simmons said. "Because all these other teams want him, right?”
Simmons then expanded on his proposed tactic.
"No, I’m saying for the asset," Simmons said. "The Lakers, you want him? Well, we took Bronny. Give us Max Christie. How bad do you want him? I would say Bronny the asset at 30 as a trade thing is worth more than anyone they could get here."
The Lakers have hinted that they intend to draft Bronny in the second round through their 55th pick. With that, the Celtics are in a great position to build on Simmons' strategy. They have the last pick for July 26 and will draft a rookie right before the Lakers the next day.
Bronny James to Boston could act as a tectonic shift
Earlier this month, Channing Frye said that the best team for Bronny James would be the San Antonio Spurs. His thought came purely based on the developmental benefits of playing under Gregg Popovich. Reggie Miller resonated the same sentiment recently.
However, Bill Simmons' game plan solely works around profiting from LA's plans, using James Jr. as tradeable currency. Boston lifted its 18th Larry O'Brien Trophy on Monday, breaking a tie with the Lakers to become the most successful organization in league history.
While a negotiation regarding Bronny James would mark a double win for Boston, the move also has the potential to resurface the two teams' rivalries.