NBA Teams Who Should and Shouldn’t Draft Bronny James
Bronny James has decided to enter the transfer portal and declare for the NBA Draft at the same time. Known as a smart player with a high basketball IQ, many are curious about NBA Teams that should draft Bronny James.

Should he actually get drafted? Despite having played one year of college basketball, here are five teams that should draft Bronny James and five who should stay away.

Which NBA teams could nurture the potential of Bronny James?

Draft: LA Clippers

Basketball: NBA Playoffs: View of Los Angeles logo on court before Los Angeles Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks game at Staples Center. Game 7. Los Angeles, CA 6/6/2021 CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X163650 TK1

The Lakers and Clippers are already a historic rivalry, but what about when LeBron James goes up against Bronny James in a rivalry game? Imagine the ticket prices for that historic matchup!

Even if it is just a marketing promotion and Bronny gets traded a year later, the hype for this regular season game alone would equate to more than excitement than any NBA Finals game in recent memory. Also Bronny is a good player and such; but again, imagine the anticipation!

Stay away: LA Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 08: Los Angeles Lakers upper court view of the logo during game 4 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 08, 2023, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
According to sports betting sites, the lakers are currently the most likely team to draft Bronny James for obvious reasons. As long as LeBron James is still playing, there is no way that Bronny should join the Lakers.

That would create so much drama for the team and create such a weird power dynamic. Granted, LeBron is essentially in charge of the franchise as it is, so Bronny to the Lakers is probably what is going to end up happening, but in reality, it will not work out the way both sides are hoping.

Draft: New York Knicks

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 23: A close-up of the New York Knicks logo in the floor prior to Game on December 23, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

New York is projected as one of the teams to select James in the upcoming draft. A large theory is that whatever team drafts Bronny, will also receive Lebron via trade or free agency when his contract expires in 2025. Ever since LeBron left Cleveland, Knicks fans have been salivating for a chance to sign LeBron. This may be their big chance.

Stay away: Portland Trailblazers

PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 10: A view of the Portland Trail Blazers logo on Matisse Thybulle #4 shorts during the exhibition game against the New Zealand Breakers at Moda Center on October 10, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Portland Trail Blazers won 106-66. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images
Portland has 99 problems, and they are all because Dame is no longer a Trailblazer. The team is filled with smart players like Bronny James, there is no need to add another project player to the roster. In addition, what made Portland competitive is that they had an unstoppable offensive weapon in Damian Lillard. Now, the team is looking to replace that, and James is not the answer.

Draft: Golden State Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – MARCH 18: A view of logo of Golden State Warriors on the court during NBA game between New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 18, 2024 in San Francisco, California, United States. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Golden State has been categorized by the team’s fantastic guard play and who better to mentor at this position than the GOAT’s son? In addition, learning behind the Splash Brothers Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry would be a dream situation for Bronny and he will be able to develop his offensive game while continuing to work on his strong suit which is defense.

Stay away: Boston Celtics

BOSTON – MAY 24: A detail of the Boston Celtics logo is seen on the court against the Orlando Magic in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 24, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
The Celtics are the best 3-point shooting team in the NBA, leading the league with in 3-point percentage. This is partially why the team is having so much success, and it would be pointless to bring Bronny James, a player not known for shooting the ball from three into this environment. It would be best for all parties involved to let Bronny go to a team that will play to his strengths.

Draft: Denver Nuggets

DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 27: The 5280 logo on the court before the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena on January 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Brendall O’Banon/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images

Denver has been rolling the past few seasons thanks to Nikola Jokic and friends. The team has been one of the more physical teams in the league. Bronny James would thrive with the opportunity to develop in this environment, as it fits his play style almost perfectly.

Stay away: Milwaukee Bucks

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 06: A general view of the Milwaukee Bucks logo at center court before a game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 06, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the midst of building a super team with Giannis and Lillard. The Bucks are rolling right now and should have their eyes on other potential playmakers instead of Bronny James. This is a classic case of if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Getting big name players who can score a lot of points is what works for Milwaukee, and Bronny just isn’t a big producer of points.

Draft: Miami Heat

 
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 04: A detail of the Miami Heat “Vice Versa” logo on the court during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Arena on January 04, 2021 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Miami Heat are given the third-best odds to draft Bronny James in the upcoming NBA Draft, but this could be a good bet given Miami’s success in developing young players. The heat have taken many players thought to be unsuccessful in the NBA and turned them into key rotational guys.

Miami does have a second-round pick in the upcoming draft, and if Bronny falls out of the first round he may be heading to the Heat. This would provide a solid chance to develop his skills as a player now that he is out of the limelight, and if many theories are correct then we may see Lebron James return to Miami in order to play with his son. The internet would absolutely break if this were to happen.

Stay away: Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 18: Generic photograph of Minnesota Timberwolves center court logo on December 18, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images
Another NBA team that is rolling towards the top of their conference is Minnesota. There is no need for the Timberwolves to take a guy like Bronny, especially when the only reason he is as hyped up as he is is because his father is literally the greatest basketball player of all time.

All in all, as a team with one of the worst cap space in the league, there is no need to spend money on a player who will want a record-breaking contract in a few years anyways.