Shams: Bronny James Viewed as NBA-Caliber Defender by Teams Amid Draft Decision

After one season at USC, Bronny James reportedly has NBA teams already viewing him as an NBA-caliber defender, per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

"When I talk to NBA teams there's a clear consensus that as a defender he's already at that caliber of an NBA defender," Charania said. "We know about his basketball IQ as well. Obviously great genes there. Shooting, offensive game, ball handling, I think those are all things that scouts and talented evaluators will keep an eye on as he goes through the pre-draft process."

In his lone season at USC, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 assists and 2.1 rebounds, playing 19.4 minutes per game.

James is unlikely going to be a lottery pick, but Charania noted that this year's draft could be a good one for him to stay in given it doesn't have the strongest class. If he elects to stay in the draft, Charania said James and his party will find the best situation for him.

"I think if there's a draft to be in, though, this is the draft, by all accounts, to stay in," Charania said. "It's not like Bronny James is a guy that's hurting for money. This is something that I think him, Rich Paul, his agents at Klutch Sports, they're going to make sure he finds the right situation, whether that's in the first round, the second round if he does stay in this draft."

James' numbers from his freshman year don't jump off the page, but he possesses plenty of athleticism and could develop into a solid NBA player with the right team. As Charania reported, his defensive ability stands out among NBA scouts, and that could help him land a spot in the league.