CHICAGO — Following his cardiac arrest and a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect nine months ago, USC's Bronny James has been medically cleared to be selected by the NBA's Fitness to Play Panel, sources told ESPN.
The NBA plans to inform teams on Monday that the panel's three doctors unanimously evaluated and cleared James, sources said, allowing him to fully participate in this week's pre-draft combine, an important step in making a case to team executives. about his viability as a player. Perspective 2024.
Sources said James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, is expected to participate in the combine's 5-on-5 scrimmages starting Tuesday, giving NBA executives a closer look. close to James after a disappointing freshman season at USC. .
James was sidelined for several months following his heart issues, and that clearly affected his willingness to make an impact as a freshman for the Trojans; He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. James has declared for the June draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
James has until May 29 as a deadline to decide whether to remain in the draft or return to college; He has decided to explore the transfer portal if he decides to play a second year of college basketball.
His agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, told ESPN in March: “I don't value a young player entering the lottery as much as putting him on the right team in the right developmental situation.”
The NBA and National Basketball Players Association collective bargaining agreement has mandated near-full combine participation for all draft prospects, although the league is giving players the option to decline to play in scrimmages.
At Chicago's Wintrust Arena, players will participate in measurements, athletic testing, medical exams, team interviews and scrimmages. The combine offers an important opportunity for players to improve their standing in front of hundreds of NBA team representatives.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by the NBA, NCAA and international teams.
