Bill Simmons Advocates for the Boston Celtics to Draft Bronny James

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Updated: June 20, 2024

In a recent discussion, sports commentator Bill Simmons proposed a provocative strategy for the Boston Celtics: drafting Bronny James and using him as a trade asset.

Simmons laid out his case: “Everybody says this draft sucks. The Celtics are so deep… anyone in this draft isn’t going to play for them. Why not take Bronny and you basically hold him hostage? Because all these other teams want him, right?.. The Lakers, you want him? Well, we took Bronny, give us Max Christie. How bad do you want him? I would say Bronny the asset at 30 as a trade thing is worth more than anyone they could get here.”

Simmons’s suggestion hinges on the Celtics’ depth and the perceived lack of impact players in the draft. By selecting Bronny James, Simmons argues, the Celtics could leverage his value as a coveted asset, particularly by teams like the Lakers, who may desire the young prospect due to his lineage and potential.

However, the idea has sparked controversy. Critics point out that Bronny, who didn’t start on his college team, averaged just 5 points per game, and his team didn’t make the tournament, might not be the most logical first-round pick. Drafting him in the first round would guarantee him a two-year contract, securing him around $7 million, which some view as an overinvestment given his current performance metrics.

Despite the debate, Simmons’s proposal underscores a strategic approach to the draft that focuses on long-term value and trade potential rather than immediate on-court contributions. Whether the Celtics will consider this unconventional tactic remains to be seen.