
USA Today via Reuters
May 14, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Bronny James talks to the media during the 2024 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
May 14, 2024; Chicago, IL, USA; Bronny James talks to the media during the 2024 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Just a few months ago, Bronny James was in the news because of the infamous ESPN mock drafts that he won’t end up anywhere when the actual drafts happen later this year. Today, people are betting on him to go no. 1 overall in the sportsbook. As of today, 22.5% bets are placed on Bronny to be drafted in 2024 by Atlanta Hawks.
This is a surprise for many since in the wake of his freshman season at USC, Bronny’s NBA chances appeared to dwindle in the eyes of many. So, those same pundits counted him out when he decided to declare for the draft this year. However, the son of the “chosen one” made sure he’d be the one to choose what happens to his future. Bronny’s performance at the Draft combine in Chicago was an eye-opener.
So, while the world firmly waited to see him fail, the 19-year-old showed his freshman year wasn’t a final word. Instead, he rose above expectation in most drills and scrimmages, while shooting the lights out. This led to a huge hike in his draft stock. A sports betting veteran reporter, Ben Fawkes took to X to post the news, writing, “Bronny James (200-1) has the MOST BETS (22.5%) to go No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA draft at @BetMGM sportsbooks.”
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Bronny James (200-1) has the MOST BETS (22.5%) to go No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA draft at @BetMGM sportsbooks.
He represents the book's biggest liability to go No. 1 overall
His odds remain at 200-1
Alexandre Sarr (-300 favorite) has 81.4% of the total handle
— Ben Fawkes (@BFawkes22) May 20, 2024
Bronny impressed fans by shooting 19 out of 25 in the drills and recorded an impressive 40.5-inch vertical jump. His display at the Draft Combine demonstrated the requisite abilities to join the ranks of the NBA. However, realistically speaking, both Bronny and Sarr have very different futures ahead of them. Despite it being difficult to say which of them will be the better player down the Line. However, that isn’t stopping fans from roasting the people who placed their hopes on LeBron Jr. going No. 1 overall!
Fans roast Bronny James’ NBA Draft chances
Regardless of Bronny’s draft stock getting a significant boost after his performance at the combine, he’s still projected at No. 54 in the Draft. The 7’1 French man Sarr has a different story. The Atlanta Hawks who have snagged the number 1 pick in the Draft have their eyes on the 19-year-old. So, naturally when millions of dollars are concerned fans are skeptical about LeBron Son’s chances to go number 1. One fan said that betting on the USC alum is akin to “Burning Money”.
People literally burning money
— oSukid81 (@osukid81) May 20, 2024
Probably this kind of harsh reaction comes in the wake of a sports journalist Keyshawn Johnson having his apprehensions on Bronny being in the NBA. He says,, even though he most definitely will join the league, he wouldn’t know what the NBA will do with him or to him. Investing in him right now, might not be a great idea overall, it most probably might be an investment, and you never know what can happen to such an investment.
Even BetMGM doesn’t seem too bothered, despite Bronny seemingly being a liability for them. This is understandable since its long shot we’re talking about.
Another fan blamed the entire American education system for this writing:
This is what happens when we keep rolling back education and testing requirements in this county
— Russ Axelrod (@RussAxelrod) May 20, 2024
Now, when most of the money people are actually betting is on Alex Sarr, so these bets are a little absurd. Of course, Bronny does have a following, along with tickets, but doesn’t seem to have a lot of money like the French fresher. Probably why the comment on the education system came along for the unwise decisions some people might be making.
And the mocking doesn’t stop here as another user said Bronny’s chances against Sarr are “trillion” to one:
The odds should be a trillion to 1
— Tim Simpson (@bobothehobo58) May 21, 2024
Well, to be factual here, let’s consider Bronny’s stats once again – 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while he shoots 36.6% from the floor. He is 6 feet and 1.5 inches tall, with people having almost zero faith in him to go to the next level. Alexandre, on the other hand, isn’t wrapped in this mystique.
Another fan dragged LeBron into the equation speculating:
Drafting him number one just to get Lebron for a year would be wild
— Triston (@T_Mac303) May 20, 2024
Well, to be honest, this is like an ongoing scenario. It might just be possible that LeBron who might become a free agent this summer. Considering that, he will be free to pick whatever team he wants to go to next. To lure him, they might as well bring Bronny in as bait for him to join them.
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And then a fan said the 19-year-old isn’t even “round 1 caliber”:
He is not even round 1 caliber
— SPark1 (@allout808) May 20, 2024
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Do we need to speak about the stats again? Despite his incredible performance in the Draft Combine, people just can’t help but spare the young boy. He’s entering the league with a toughened weight on his shoulders already.
The Los Angeles Lakers have the 54th pick and will probably take Bronny to ensure LeBron James’ retirement there. Still, draft night is some days away, and whether Bronny gets his NBA dream or not remains subjective! Can he go number one? Would you bet money on him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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