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Report: Bronny James to work out with Lakers, Suns before NBA draft

USC freshman Bronny James will reportedly work out with the Lakers and Suns before the 2024 NBA draft.

USC freshman Bronny James will reportedly work out with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns before the 2024 NBA draft, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

James announced on April 5 that he would test the draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal after playing one season with the Trojans. He participated in the draft combine last week in Chicago, Illinois, and his agency pro day on Wednesday in Los Angeles, California.

He measured in at 6 feet, 1 1/2 inches barefoot with a 6-foot, 7 1/4-inch wingspan at the combine and averaged 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal in two scrimmages. He shot 19-of-25 in the 3-point star drill and registered the sixth-best max vertical (40 1/2 inches).

The 19-year-old confirmed at the combine that he hadn’t yet worked out with any teams. However, he has been invited to at least 10 predraft workouts. He is expected to visit only a limited number of teams, including the Lakers and Suns.

James has been heavily linked to the Lakers because of his father, LeBron James, who previously stated his goal was to be teammates with him before retiring. LeBron has since backed off that statement, while Bronny said it isn’t a goal of his to play with his father.

The Lakers will likely only have their second-round pick (55th). Their first-round pick, No. 17, is expected to convey to New Orleans. Bronny is considered a potential second-round pick and could be available when the Lakers are on the clock at 55.

Meanwhile, the Suns have the 22nd pick in the first round. Bronny is reportedly expected to be in consideration for that pick, though, with over a month to go until June 26-27, teams’ draft boards are still fluid.

Bronny pointed to players such as Jrue Holiday, Davion Mitchell, Marcus Smart and Derrick White as those who best resemble what he brings to the next level. He likes the grit, toughness and defensive intensity they play with nightly.

“These are the players that you have to have on your team because it doesn’t always show up in the box scores, but it always shows up in the winning plays,” LeBron said. “For Bronny to have that mindset of like, ‘Listen, at this point in time in my life and in my game, I know where I stand, but I know how I affect the game. He is just a winning player, and I just love his mindset.”

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Projected second-round pick Payton Sandfort to work out with Warriors

Projected second-round pick Payton Sandfort is among six prospects who will work out with the Warriors on Thursday.

Projected second-round pick Payton Sandfort is among six prospects who will work out with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, according to Jason Dumas of KRON4 News.

Sandfort was named to the All-Big Ten third team after averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range in 34 games. He led the conference in 3-pointers (94) and ranked eighth in scoring.

Joining Sandfort in the workout on Thursday are San Diego State guard Lamont Butler, Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins, Washington State forward Isaac Jones, Kentucky forward Antonio Reeves and Auburn forward Jaylin Williams.

The Warriors have one draft selection this year — the 52nd pick from the Milwaukee Bucks — after their first-round pick was conveyed to the Portland Trail Blazers in the draft lottery. The players visiting on Thursday could be potential targets for the team in the second round.

With just one pick, the Warriors hope to find another player late in the draft who can contribute next season. The team received strong production this season from Trayce Jackson-Davis, who was the 57th pick last year and nearly made the NBA All-Rookie second team.

The organization will continue to bring in prospects for workouts and interviews who could be targeted in the second round or as undrafted free agents.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Shams: NC State star DJ Burns Jr. is down 45 pounds ahead of NBA draft

DJ Burns Jr. has reportedly dropped 45 pounds since the conclusion of his season with the Wolfpack.

Former NC State center DJ Burns Jr. told Shams Charania of The Athletic this week that he has dropped 45 pounds since the conclusion of his season with the Wolfpack.

Burns burst onto the national radar after helping lead the Wolfpack to their first ACC Tournament championship since 1987. They became the first double-digit seed (10) to win the tournament after reeling off five wins in as many days.

The group continued its run in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1983. After a dominant run, Burns seemingly wasted no time and immediately hit the gym to prepare for the 2024 NBA draft.

He is seeing the fruits of his labor.

“He was listed at 275 pounds when he finished the season in college,” Charania said Wednesday on FanDuel TV. “I saw him at the pro day yesterday. He looked totally different. I talked to him afterward. DJ Burns told me he lost 45 pounds in the last 6 1/2 weeks. He said he is doing cardio workouts at 5 a.m.”

Burns was voted the ACC Tournament MVP and to the 2024 NCAA Tournament all-region team after averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 62.5% shooting from the field. He erupted for a season-high 29 points in a win over Duke in the Elite Eight.

The fifth-year senior proved dominant during their run with his size and ability to bully opponents in the paint. His performance on the court and his outgoing personality quickly made him and the Wolfpack fan favorites around the country.

Burns isn’t projected to be drafted, but he will have the opportunity to showcase himself in team workouts and interviews after his agency pro day. He appears to be off to a good start following his weight loss.

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WATCH: Carson Wentz takes the field at OTAs donning No. 11 jersey

Carson Wentz was spotted wearing his No. 11 jersey during workouts at #Chiefs OTAs on Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs have had some outstanding players wearing the No. 11 jersey over the years.

Most notably, quarterback Alex Smith wore No. 11 for Kansas City from 2013 through 2017, helping to lift the Chiefs back to relevance in Andy Reid’s first years as the team’s head coach.

When Smith left Western Missouri to start his tenure with the Washington Football Team in 2018, wide receiver Demarcus Robinson took over the number before Marquez Valdes-Scantling arrived in Kansas City in 2022.

Now, backup quarterback Carson Wentz is donning the No. 11 jersey with pride and was spotted wearing his Chiefs uniform for the first time at Kansas City’s organized team activities on Wednesday.

While Wentz isn’t likely to see consistent action for the Chiefs in the 2024 regular season, the legacy of the number will live on with him in the preseason and on the sideline as he seeks to become Kansas City’s next great second-stringer.

WATCH: Rashee Rice, Justyn Ross work out at Chiefs OTAs

Check out these videos of Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross working out at #Chiefs OTAs on Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason training program is underway in Western Missouri this week as players and coaches go through organized team activities for the first time since their Super Bowl LVIII victory.

While the return of Patrick Mahomes to the practice field was a sight for the sore eyes of fans desperate for the return of NFL football, two of the Chiefs’ young receivers stole the show on the second day of workouts.

Second-year wideout Rashee Rice and fan-favorite standout Justyn Ross were seen catching balls at practice on Wednesday, marking the beginning of their 2024 campaigns.

Rice has made headlines throughout the offseason for a high-speed car crash in Dallas, Texas that landed him in legal trouble, and his appearance at OTAs took some fans by surprise.

Ross, who has been with the team since 2022, is looking to make an impact for Kansas City next season as he endeavors to make good on the unbelievable talent that earned him a spot on the Chiefs’ roster last year.

All-ACC guard Jeremy Roach withdraws from NBA draft, will transfer to Baylor

Former Duke guard Jeremy Roach has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Baylor.

Former Duke guard Jeremy Roach has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Baylor, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Roach declared for the draft and entered the transfer portal last month. He announced on April 21 that he would transfer to play for head coach Scott Drew next season over Arkansas, Kentucky, Syracuse and Villanova, among others.

The 22-year-old tallied 1,469 points in 114 career games over four years at Duke, becoming one of 68 players in program history to reach that mark. He helped lead the Blue Devils to three appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including the Final Four in 2022.

Roach was named to the All-ACC second team this past season, averaging a career-high 14 points, 3.3 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 42.9% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked sixth in the conference in 3-point percentage.

The 6-foot-2 guard joins a talented incoming class of 2024 for the Bears, headlined by No. 5 prospect VJ Edgecombe. The program also adds No. 25 prospect Robert Wright III and No. 47 prospect Jason Asemota for next season.

Baylor finished third in the Big 12 and earned its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2024. The team beat Colgate in the first round and lost to No. 6 Clemson in the round of 32.

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Alabama head coach Nate Oats provides draft update on Mark Sears

Sears was a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, four assists and 1.6 steals.

Alabama coach Nate Oats said Tuesday that senior Mark Sears still has two more workouts to complete before deciding on his status for the 2024 NBA draft.

Sears, who has played his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide, declared for the draft on April 17 while maintaining his final year of college eligibility. He has until May 29 to withdraw from the draft and return to school for his fifth year.

He participated in the draft combine last week in Chicago, Illinois, producing 11 points, two steals and one assist in his only scrimmage game. He measured in at 5 feet, 10 1/4 inches without shoes and registered a 39-inch max vertical jump.

“He has got two more workouts – Houston and Milwaukee – and we’ll get the feedback,” Oats said, via Johnny Congdon of ABC 33/40. “It is going to go right up to the last day because he has got the workout with Milwaukee on the 29. If the feedback isn’t a guaranteed contract, I think he’d love to come back here and try to win a national championship. But, obviously, his ultimate goal is to play in the NBA.”

Sears was a consensus second-team All-American after averaging 21.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, four assists and 1.6 steals on 43.6% shooting from 3-point range. He set the program record for most points scored in a single season (797).

The 22-year-old was the first Division I player in the last 31 years with at least 795 points, 150 rebounds, 145 assists and 95 3-pointers in a season. He also set the single-season program records for 20-point games (26) and free throws made (198).

He is viewed as a potential second-round pick this year, given his ability to score at all three levels. He is highly touted for his passing and flourishes in pick-and-roll situations.

“If he gets great feedback, then he is going to get a guaranteed contract and we’re all happy and he stays in the draft,” Sears said. “He has already graduated college and (can achieve) his lifelong goal to play in the NBA. If we feel like it’s more like a two-way (contract), then I think he is coming back here and we’re going to try to win a national championship.”

Sears will have the opportunity to receive additional feedback on his draft stock after visiting Houston and Milwaukee before the early entry withdrawal deadline. He will make a final decision to either remain in the draft or return to Tuscaloosa.

“He is in a great spot either way, and we’re in a great spot, too,” Sears said. “We take a kid that transferred from Ohio, and we’re either going to get him back and try to win the national championship or we’re gonna help him get to the NBA. We’re all in a good spot with him.”

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Baylor transfer Norchad Omier officially withdraws from 2024 NBA draft

Former Miami forward Norchad Omier has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Baylor.

Former Miami forward Norchad Omier has reportedly withdrawn from the 2024 NBA draft and will transfer to Baylor, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Omier, the first player from Nicaragua to receive a Division I basketball scholarship, declared for the draft and entered the transfer portal last month. He was the No. 5 player on the market and chose the Bears over Arkansas, Clemson and Louisville.

The 22-year-old was named to the All-ACC second team this past season, averaging 17 points, 10 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 assists on 55.2% shooting from the field. He was the first Hurricane to lead the team in scoring and rebounds in 10 years.

Omier played his first two years at Arkansas State and was the Sun Belt Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. He has averaged a double-double every season and was the only player to reach that mark this past season in the ACC.

He joins a talented incoming class of 2024 for the Bears, headlined by No. 5 prospect VJ Edgecombe. The program also adds No. 25 prospect Robert Wright III and No. 47 prospect Jason Asemota, along with Jeremy Roach via the transfer portal.

Baylor finished third in the Big 12 and earned its fifth straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2024. The team beat Colgate in the first round and lost to No. 6 Clemson in the round of 32.

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Georgia Tech freshman Baye Ndongo to withdraw from 2024 NBA draft

Baye Ndongo will reportedly withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to Georgia Tech for his sophomore season.

Baye Ndongo will reportedly withdraw from the 2024 NBA draft and return to Georgia Tech for his sophomore season, according to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports.

Ndongo announced on April 17 that he would declare for the draft while maintaining his remaining college eligibility. He participated in the G League Elite Camp, averaging nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, three blocks and 1.5 steals in two scrimmage games.

The 6-foot-9 forward was named to the ACC All-Freshman team after averaging 12.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and one assist on 55.8% shooting from the field. He ranked second in the country among freshmen in field-goal percentage and third in rebound average.

Ndongo emerged as an integral player last season as the Yellow Jackets’ second-leading scorer and leading rebounder. His return figures to be key for head coach Damon Stoudamire, who just completed his first season with the program.

Stoudamire and the Yellow Jackets secured commitments from four-star prospects Jaeden Mustaf and Darrion Sutton for next season. The team also adds Ryan Mutombo (Georgetown), Luke O’Brien (Colorado) and Javian McCollum (Oklahoma) via the transfer portal.

The Yellow Jackets finished 12th in the ACC this past season after posting a 14-18 record. The program last qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2022, when it lost in the first round.

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Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama earns historic NBA All-Defensive first-team selection

Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama added to a historic rookie campaign after earning a selection to the NBA All-Defensive first team.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama added to an historic rookie campaign on Tuesday after the No. 1 pick was voted to the NBA All-Defensive first team.

Wembanyama, who finished as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, became the first rookie in history to be selected to the All-Defensive first team. He is one of six first-year players to earn a placement on the All-Defensive teams and the first since Tim Duncan in 1998.

The 7-footer earned 86 of a possible 99 first-team votes from a global panel of sportswriters and broadcasters to finish second behind Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Robert, who was the Defensive Player of the Year.

Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals in 71 games. He led the league in blocked shots and registered the most 30-point games (11) by a rookie since Trae Young in the 2018-19 season.

The Frenchman is the second rookie to lead the league in blocks (Manute Bol, 1986). He ranked second in defensive box plus-minus (plus-3.3), fifth in defensive win shares (4.4) and eighth in rebounds. He also had the most games with at least five blocks (24).

Wembanyama was the Rookie of the Year, becoming the sixth player to win the award unanimously and the first since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016. He was also a unanimous selection to the All-Rookie first team, announced on Monday.

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