5 Realistic NBA Player Comps for Bronny James
One of the most popular conversations at the 2024 NBA draft combine was around Bronny James, his projected role and possible ceiling.
James measuring in at 6'1.5" in socks didn't help scouts picture any new or realistic paths to upside. The consensus says he'll be a role player in the NBA at best. But there are dozens of valued guards throughout the league who aren't focal points of their respective teams' offense.
Looking at James' measurements and predicting what strengths will translate to the NBA, what flaws will carry over and what weaknesses will improve, we came up five potential pro comparisons for James.
Not all of them share the exact archetype, as his development over the next few years will dictate his potential role for a team.
Quentin Grimes
1 of 5
Archetype: Three-and-D off guard
Quentin Grimes is a realistic outcome for Bronny James with his three-point shot-making, perimeter defense, occasional driving ability and limited creation.
Like James, Grimes actually played some point guard in high school—his on-ball skills just didn't translate well to the NBA. There are also big questions about how well James will be able to get his own shot or play-make in the NBA, as he doesn't have the most explosive burst or wiggle off the bounce.
However, James has the stroke to improve from three the way the Grimes did from Kansas to Houston to New York and now Detroit. Grimes also earns baskets by quickly attacking off the catch, and James could capitalize on those fly-by closeouts with his strength once handling downhill.
Both players are generally unselfish, only take good shots and wait for the chance to strike within their team's offensive flow.
Defensively, Grimes can be tough on opposing guards, but too small for wings. That will be James' defensive reputation as well given his foot speed, length, IQ and lack of height for covering forwards.
Gary Harris
2 of 5
Archetype: Three-and-D off guard
If James struggles to beat defenders off the dribble, he could mirror Gary Harris, who spots up 41.3 percent of the time and runs off screens for 10.8 percent of his possessions.
James doesn't have Harris' size, but his 210-pound frame and 6'7" wingspan should allow him to defend up against bigger 2-guards.
An outcome similar to Harris would mean James settles into a more traditional, three-and-D off-ball role. Harris is rarely used in ball-screen actions and has zero isolation possessions on the season. As we saw at the NBA combine, James had trouble separating one-on-one into high-percentage looks when he did try.
Miles McBride
3 of 5
Archetype: Three-and-D combo
Prior to this season, Miles McBride earned most of his minutes with his defensive effort. If James is going to get early playing time in the NBA, his foot speed, IQ and strength guarding opposing teams' ball-handlers will be what gets him on the floor.
It wasn't until McBride's third season that he became a regular role player for New York. His 41.0 percent three-point shooting was a big reason why. McBride turned into a consistent shotmaker off the catch and dribble.
Though James did not shoot well at USC, there is plenty of optimism around his mechanics and range. He did make 43.8 percent of his pull-ups in college.
McBride has had to transition to more of an off-ball role (34.8 percent of offense spotting up) in the NBA, which is rare for a 6'1" guard. James also measured 6'1.5", and without much explosion off the dribble, he'll likewise have to frequently play as an undersized 2-guard.
McBride doesn't always make the right reads as a facilitator, while James shows higher IQ as a passer. But neither ultimately project as lead guards for different reasons.
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De'Anthony Melton
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Archetype: Three-and-D combo
At 6'3", De'Anthony Melton is slightly taller than James, but they're both combo guards who spot up more than handle in ball-screen situations.
Melton has gradually developed into a shooter who averages 2.0 made threes per game. James has shown enough shotmaking range to eventually mirror Melton's trajectory. With a career 3.0 steal percentage, Melton has excellent defensive instincts, which is another attribute of James'.
Melton also grades as an efficient pick-and-roll ball-handler, which James also can be based on his pull-up game and passing IQ. They'll just be used more as secondary playmakers as opposed to high-usage lead guards.
On the weakness side of the scouting report, Melton struggles around the basket. He shot 40.4 percent on layups this season. James may have similar trouble finishing in the half court due to his lack of explosion with the ball.
Davion Mitchell
5 of 5
Archetype: Defensive-minded ball-handler
At the combine, James mentioned Davion Mitchell as a player whom he looked up to. It showed some self-awareness from the 19-year-old, who presumably understands that he's likely to have a backup role that values his defense first.
Mitchell and James are similarly sized. They have quick feet and anticipation for guarding the point of attack. They're both more of secondary playmakers than ones who'll quarterback the offense. And they're both shooting threats who still have room to improve their consistency.
Mitchell isn't quite above-average in any one offensive area, and part of the worry with James is that he isn't a high-level creator or consistent-enough shooter for an undersized combo or 2-guard.
But even without the big scoring punch, Mitchell has still made himself useful as a pressure defender, ball-handler and capable shotmaker. James will have a chance to make enough plays off those strengths in a supporting role off the bench.
Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports
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