There were always going to be a ton of questions surrounding Bronny James’ looming jump to the NBA. One of his NBA draft combine measurements just added another one to the list.
On Monday, James was among the participants at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine held at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Ill.
The prospect showcase allowed James to show off his outstanding vertical leap. The 19-year-old sharpshooter also performed well when put through various shooting drills. Both likely helped his next-level projection as a 3-and-D player.
Bronny James records a 40.50 inch max vertical at the NBA Draft Combine.
4th highest of any participant. pic.twitter.com/a5cuAXEMRx
— Joe Doerrer (@jd3hoops) May 13, 2024
Bronny just went a full minute and 15 seconds without missing in movement shooting drill, which is also a test for conditioning, shooting when tired. Impressive stuff here pic.twitter.com/SD6p95cK07
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 14, 2024
James was able to impress in areas that he could control. But there was a lot of buzz about something the youngster had no control over — his official height.
James, who had been listed as 6’4″ in college, was measured at 6’1.5″ without shoes at the combine.
Bronny James, listed height of 6'4" on every roster he's ever played on, measured just a half inch over 6'1" at the NBA Scouting Combine.
6'1" guys who averaged 5 points a game in college usually don't get drafted. I sure do wonnnnder what's different in Bronny's case…
— Calvy J (@CJRealHoops1) May 13, 2024
That two-and-a-half inch difference is pretty big, even considering the shoe/no shoes matter.
There aren’t many non-point guards who find success in the NBA at James’ height. His official measurement has him closer to lead guards Kyrie Irving (6’1.75″ without shoes) and Jalen Brunson (6’1″ without shoes) rather than wing defenders like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6’4.5″ without shoes).
Last month, James announced his decision to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft after his lone year at USC. At the time, NBA teams reportedly saw the move as the teenager simply testing the waters before returning to school for at least another year.
But LeBron James’ eldest son now appears to be dead set on making the leap to the pros.
