Bronny James medically cleared for 2024 NBA Draft

Former USC guard Bronny James has been medically cleared to be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft and to play in the NBA, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Woj revealed the news Monday morning on Twitter.

“ESPN Sources with @Draftexpress: In the aftermath of his cardiac arrest and a procedure to repair a congenital heart defect nine months ago, the NBA’s Fitness to Play panel has medically cleared USC’s Bronny James to be drafted and play in the league,” Wojnarowski posted.

Bronny James declared for the 2024 NBA Draft last month, while also entering the transfer portal. However, he will be staying in the draft and turning pro, according to Shams Charania.

“Sources: Bronny James is expected to stay in the 2024 NBA Draft,” Charania posted on Twitter.

James appeared in 25 games this past season, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He shot 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from 3-point range.

The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny collapsed during a USC practice last summer. It was later revealed that he suffered cardiac arrest during the workout.

A spokesperson for the James family released a statement about the incident at the time.

“Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest,” the statement from July said. “Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital.  He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU.  We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information. 

“LeBron and Savannah wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.”

Thankfully, James was cleared to return to action in time for most of his freshman season. He made his USC debut in December.

Despite not having the most impressive stats during his time with the Trojans, James was invited to the 2024 NBA Draft combine, which will be held later this month in Chicago. He was one of 78 players invited to the event.

Dating back to his recruiting days, Bronny James was ranked as a four-star recruit and the No. 25 player in the country in the class of 2023, per the On3 Industry rankings. He is clearly talented even if he didn’t always play to his potential at USC. It will be interested to see which NBA franchise adds him to their roster this offseason.