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Bronny James is starting to make a name for himself in basketball.
After picking up an offer from Memphis, his collegiate recruiting process is officially underway. James, who just started his senior year at Sierra Canyon in California, is expected to play in the NCAA after completing high school. Oregon is one of the favorites to land his commitment. He is expected to take a visit to Ohio State.
James was ranked as ESPN’s No. 40 overall recruit in the Class of 2023, but he moved up to No. 35 in their latest update on Monday. Read how one high-major coach evaluated Bronny’s game:
“I think Bronny has some NBA potential as a backup point guard. I would like to see him settle into college and continue to grow more comfortable finding his own offense, but he’s a good, smart player.”
I’ve seen Bronny play in person and I was most impressed by his defense. Based on what I’ve seen, his spot in the Top 40 feels reasonable. It’s not too high or inflated because he is LeBron’s son, and it’s well-earned based on his own accomplishments.
The Tip-Off
Some NBA goodness from around the USA TODAY Sports network.
Rockets Wire editor Ben DuBose mused on whether or not Donovan Mitchell makes sense as a potential trade target for Houston:
“The Houston Rockets are under a year away from when they will likely be active in pursuing veteran additions, thanks to a large amount of salary cap room and the knowledge that future draft-pick obligations to Oklahoma City kick back in with the 2023-24 season.
So, for the right deal — and specifically, if All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell is up for grabs — might the Rockets and third-year general manager Rafael Stone expedite that timetable?
It wouldn’t be an easy decision, since the upcoming 2022-23 season is the last one until 2026-27 in which Houston will fully control its own draft pick. Bringing in a proven player like Mitchell would inherently make the Rockets more likely to win games, which could worsen their draft outlook and lottery odds to potentially land a top prospect like Victor Wembanyama or Scoot Henderson.”
I hadn’t considered the Rockets as a destination for Mitchell, but they have the assets to get the deal done if they wanted to pair him with Jalen Green and Jabari Smith.
Shootaround
— James Harden might be taking his offseason diet a little too seriously after throwing a cake in the ocean
— The Las Vegas Aces playing the Seattle Storm looks more like an All-Star game lineup than a playoff series
— Scotty Pippen Jr. has a ‘chip on his shoulder’ after going undrafted
— HoopsHype ranks the Top 25 centers for the 2022-23 season