📈 Questions around Bronny James & Nico Collins Extended

🏀 The Debate of Bronny James

With these numbers after one season, is it fair to say that Bronny James is only getting publicity and might only get drafted because of his last name and who his Dad is?

I’m sure he has had to deal with the shadow of being Lebron James’ son all his life and it isn’t his fault, but with that stat line in his only season at USC, it doesn’t seem like any other player would get that chance. Much to his credit though, Bronny performed well at the NBA Draft Combine. Shooting well from 3, and measuring/testing well will help whatever team drafts him or signs him after the draft to say why they believe in him as a developmental player.

LeBron has always been vocal about wanting to play in the NBA with his son, so we will find out if the Lakers have any interest at the NBA Draft June 26&27. Bronny recently kept his name in the NBA Draft thus forgoing all remaining college eligibility.

💸 Texans pay Nico Collins

One of CJ Stroud’s main targets got some financial security as Nico Collins signed a 3 year, $72.5M contract with the Houston Texans, $52M of that is guaranteed. Last season in 15 games, Collins racked up 80 catches for almost 1300 receiving yards, and 8 TDs. In a wideout room that already includes Tank Dell and added Stefon Diggs this offseason, the Texans are looking to build on their rookie season success of CJ Stroud and DeMeco Ryans.

The 2021 WR Draft Class produced some real difference makers in the League and those guys are starting to get paid for their production. Collins falls in line with Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Eagles’ WR DeVonta Smith, and Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens of guys who have been extended already this offseason. In the graph, there are two names who headline that 2021 class: Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals and the Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle. Both of these guys have NOT signed yet, but based off their peers pay day, it is to be expected that Waddle and Chase will warrant bigger money with the stamp they have placed on the NFL so far.