While there’s been mixed reviews about his NBA potential since he was in middle school, don’t expect Bronny James to show any uncertainty about how good he is.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, the USC product was asked what he believes his rating on NBA 2K should be. A popular gaming franchise, having a player created by NBA 2K has become something of a rite of passage for incoming rookies.
Bronny James Gives Sly Amswer About Rookie 2K Rating
“I feel like I deserve a respectable 80 (or) 81,” James says slyly.
View this post on Instagram
Given his play at USC last season, this answer might be surprising.
In 25 games, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game on .366-.267-.676 splits. His best games were solid, with him often playing well against Pac-12 teams. For example, James scored a season-high 15 points against Oregon State on Dec. 30, shooting 6-11 from the field. He also had three assists to zero turnovers. On the season, he had four games with at least five points and five assists. He recorded either a block or a steal in 16 games.
Furthermore, most of James’ best skills can’t be measured on a stat sheet. He possesses great feel, demonstrates a high basketball IQ, and plays tenacious on-ball defense. Indeed, James’ intangibles allowed him to remain a viable draft prospect despite his underwhelming freshman season. Sure, his bloodlines help, but much of the sustained interest in James has been self-generated.
That being said, James’ performance at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine could have lifted his rating.
Though measuring 6-foot-1 without shoes was a disappointment, his wingspan (6-foot-7) and vertical (40.5 inches) alleviate a lot of concerns about his physical profile. James ranked second in the 3-point shooting drill after going 19-25. He had an up-and-down performance in the two scrimmages but his finale was an eye-opener. In 23 minutes, James led his team with 13 points on 40.0 percent shooting from 3, earning Player of the Game honors.
BRONNY JAMES NBA DRAFT COMBINE SCRIMMAGE HIGHLIGHTS
13 PTS 🔥😤 pic.twitter.com/eHysTM7ey1
— BronnyMuse (@BronnyMuse06) May 15, 2024
Could It Really Happen?
Usually, a prospect like James would start with a 2K rating in the high 60s or low 70s. The highest rookie rating in 2K history belongs to San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. Five other rookies have had ratings in the low 80s: Zion Williamson (81), John Wall (81), Lonzo Ball (80), Cade Cunningham (80), and Markelle Fultz (80).
Given their play styles, James is most similar to Ball. However, as a freshman at UCLA, Ball averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game, winning Pac-12 Rookie of the Year. He also shot 55.1 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from 3.
