NBA head coach has surprise prediction about Bronny James’ draft position

Jan 13, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) warms up before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

There may be a Bronny James stunner on NBA Draft day, according to one current head coach.

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle appeared this week on “The Green Light with Chris Long.” During the appearance, co-host Macon Gunter bluntly asked Carlisle if the Pacers, who own the No. 36, No. 49, and No. 50 picks in the draft, would be taking Bronny. Carlisle obviously didn’t disclose that but did make an interesting prediction about Bronny’s ultimate draft position.

“Well I’m gonna go out on a limb here and predict that he goes quite a bit higher than that,” Carlisle said, per ClutchPoints. “I’m not going to say who [will take Bronny], I don’t want to get in trouble. I’ve been fined enough this year during the playoffs.”

The 19-year-old Bronny, the eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, is widely seen as a project prospect who isn’t ready for the NBA just yet. But because of who is father is, Bronny is drawing intrigue as a potential second-round draft choice. Many are even expecting Bronny to be selected by the Lakers with the No. 55 overall pick.

But with Carlisle suggesting that Bronny could be off the board by the time that the Pacers pick in the second round, that means the former USC guard might even be in the conversation to go in the first round. Though Carlisle refused to name any names, we know that there are at least two non-Lakers teams showing real interest in Bronny.