NBA

What is Bronny James’s heart condition?

Bronny James is expected to be picked on night two of the NBA draft and his heart condition might be a factor for teams.

KATELYN MULCAHY | AFP

Andy Restrepo

Andy is a Miami native journalist and translator who is always on top of what sporting activity is taking place across the globe, and he aims to ensure all relevant information is shared with fans. Mainly focused on the US competitions of NBA, NFL and MLS, he also has a keen interest in international soccer, including Spain's LaLiga and the English Premier League among others.

Update: Jun 27th, 2024 17:54 EDT

Bronny James, the highly-touted basketball prospect and son of NBA legend LeBron James, faced a significant health scare in July 2023 when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session. Following extensive medical evaluations, it was revealed that Bronny has a congenital heart defect. This diagnosis, while serious, is treatable, offering hope for his recovery and return to the sport he loves.

Understanding Bronny’s Condition

A congenital heart defect is a structural problem with the heart present from birth. These defects can vary in severity, from minor issues that require minimal intervention to more complex conditions needing surgical correction. In Bronny’s case, the specific details of his heart defect have not been publicly disclosed, but the family has expressed optimism about his treatment and prognosis.

NBA Draft Prospects

NBA teams will need to thoroughly assess Bronny’s medical reports to determine the potential risks associated with drafting him. Teams invest significant resources into their players, and a congenital heart defect could be seen as a risk factor. It is no surprise that he might not have gone on the first round of the NBA Draft.

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However, if his treatment is successful and he can demonstrate his fitness and performance on the court, his draft stock may remain high.

"Rich Paul is calling teams, don't take Bronny James ... if you take him, he's going to Australia." 😳

Bob Myers on Bronny James' draft status 👀 pic.twitter.com/p6mWNMAjma
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 27, 2024

It’s important to note that the NBA has seen players with significant medical histories succeed. For instance, Jeff Green, who underwent heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm, returned to have a productive NBA career. Such examples can provide encouragement that with the right medical care and determination, Bronny can overcome this obstacle.