The 2024 NBA draft had its second round this Thursday. After the great first round on Wednesday, the French clan was strengthened with the selection of Malvin Ajinça by the Dallas Mavericks. The news of the evening was the Lakers’ pick of Bronny James, son of LeBron.
The NBA is innovating this year with a draft conducted in two days. On Wednesday, the first round ended with fireworks for the French clan with positions 1, 2 and 6 for Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta), Alexandre Sarr (Washington) and Tidjane Salaün (Charlotte), not forgetting Pacôme Dadiet selected in 25th position by the Knicks. The second round was successful this Thursday for another Frenchman with the selection, in 51st position, of Melvin Ajinça by the Dallas Mavericks, recent NBA finalists.
An anonymous college season for Bronny James
But without insulting the talent of Alexis Ajinça’s cousin, also a former Dallas player, the attention of the evening was focused on the end of the second round. And more precisely on the 55th position. The one owned by the Los Angeles Lakers. Was the Californian franchise going to use its draft round to choose Bronny James, son of LeBron, who is rarely referenced at the university level?
The answer was yes. LeBron James is thus getting closer to his dream of playing professionally with his son. A selection for Bronny who owes a lot to his family name, as his time with the USC Trojans had little impact on the college season. The player who suffered a heart attack last year only averaged 4.8 points in 25 games played.
“Bronny’s scope is vast,” assured his famous agent, Rich Paul. “He’s a very good prospect who has a lot of room to improve. All he needs is a team.” It will be Dad’s team.
Rankings for the 2nd round of the draft:
31. Jonathan Mogbo (USA, Toronto Raptors)
32. Kyle Filipowski (USA, Utah Jazz)
33. Tyler Smith (USA Milwaukee Bucks)
34. Tyler Kolek (USA, Portland Trail Blazers, transferred to New York Knicks)
35. Johnny Furphy (AUS, San Antonio Spurs, traded to Indiana Pacers)
36. Juan Nunez (ESP, Indiana Pacers, traded to San Antonio Spurs)
37. Bobi Klintman (SUE, Minnesota Timberwolves, traded to Detroit Pistons)
38. Ajay Mitchell (BEL, New York Knicks, transféré au Oklahoma City Thunder)
39. Jaylen Wells (USA, Memphis Grizzlies)
40. Oso Ighodaro (USA, Portland Trail Blazers, transferred to the Phoenix Suns)
41. Adem Bona (NIG, Philadelphia Sixers)
42. KJ Simpson (USA, Charlotte Hornets)
43. Nikola Djurisic (SER, Miami Heat, transferred to Atlanta Hawks)
44. Pelle Larsson (SUE, Houston Rockets, transferred to Miami Heat)
45. Jamal Shead (USA, Sacramento Kings, traded to Toronto Raptors)
46. Cameron Christie (USA, Los Angeles Clippers)
47. Antonio Reeves (USA, Orlando Magic, transféré aux New Orleans Pelicans)
48. Harrison Ingram (USA, San Antonio Spurs)
49. Tristen Newton (USA, Indiana Pacers)
50. Enrique Freeman (USA, Indiana Pacers)
51. Melvin Ajinça (FRA, New York Knicks, traded to Dallas Mavericks)
52. Quinten Post (PB, Golden State Warriors, transferred to Oklahoma City Thunder)
53. Cam Spencer (USA, Detroit Pistons, traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
54. Anton Watson (USA, Boston Celtics)
55. Bronny James (USA, Los Angeles Lakers)
56. Kevin McCullar Jr (USA, Phoenix Suns)
57. Ulrich Chomche (CAM, Memphis Grizzlies)
58. Ariel Hukporti (ALL, Dallas Mavericks)
Mathieu Idiart Journalist RMC Sport
