Armed with two picks in June’s NBA draft, the Miami Heat have a chance to make a dramatic addition and create a full-circle moment for a franchise great.
In one of the latest Bleacher Report articles, they have the Miami Heat as one of the top two landing spots in the draft for the services of Bronny James, the son of LeBron James.
The former guard for the USC Trojans announced his candidacy for the NBA draft a few months ago. It goes without saying that any guy with DNA connected to LeBron James will generate some divisive headlines. James recently finished his rookie campaign with averages of 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Nevertheless, neither James nor this statline particularly suggest that he is a top prospect. However, he has a lot of potential, especially considering his defensive prowess. In addition to providing size on the perimeter and point-of-attack defense, he can protect either guard position. James might go undrafted this year, or he might be selected in the second round of the draft.
Armed with two picks in June’s NBA draft, the Miami Heat have a chance to make a dramatic addition and create a full-circle moment for a franchise great.
The other top landing spot reported is indeed the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron’s current team. The Lakers have reportedly expressed an interest in drafting James and are willing to pair the father-son duo together on the court next season.
However, the Lakers might not have a first-round pick if the Pelicans elect to accept their 17th overall pick as part of a previous trade, while the Heat are choosing 15th overall. Miami also owns the 43rd in the second round, 12 places ahead of the 55th overall choice of the Lakers in the second round. Therefore, the Heat have two opportunities before the Lakers to choose Bronny.
If Miami selects Bronny in the second round of the draft, they might pull off a full-circle moment. LeBron brought South Florida back-to-back titles more than ten years ago, so there is obviously history here. This was the area where he and the James family cherished fond recollections. If LeBron is still drawn to the idea of joining his son on the court and becoming the first father-son team in NBA history, this may be the destination for them both.
A lot of moving parts would need to go into a reunion like this following a Bronny-Miami draft pairing. Although LeBron is expected to decline his player option and hit free agency, the financial situation for the Heat to bring in someone of LeBron’s caliber is limited. The Heat don’t have cap space, but perhaps they could execute a trade (if If LeBron chooses to sign a new contract, he can do it through a sign-and-trade option.
Although ESPN’s Brian Windhorst stated that the Heat have scouted Bronny earlier this year, it is unknown how serious Pat Riley and the Heat front office are about drafting Bronny in the first round within the next month and a half.
The Heat are known for their ability to identify and nurture talent. Over the years, this has applied to both drafted and undrafted players. Undoubtedly, Bronny has the potential to be yet another successful addition to their system as a developmental component. More so, maybe, with LeBron present to guide his son in the city he called home for four of his illustrious years of playing.
