Even after a rather quiet performance at USC for his freshman effort, guard Bronny James has become one of the most prominent draft prospects ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft.

For months, the Detroit Pistons and the rest of the league weren’t sure about James’ real path moving forward. While he was participating in pre-draft events, Bronny had the opportunity to return to the NCAA, where he would consider a transfer from USC.

This week, it’s confirmed that James will switch teams — but not in the NCAA.

According to ESPN, James is set to stay in the NBA Draft player pool and could get selected next month.

The Detroit Pistons are set to go on the board with the fifth-overall pick. As much as James’ draft stock boosted through pre-draft activities, he would be a long shot to land in the top five, heading to Detroit.

The early consensus projects James to be a second-rounder, where the Pistons will go on the board once late in the round. If he’s still available 53rd overall, James could certainly be in play for Detroit.

However, with James’ stock rising lately, he could be off the board earlier.

During his freshman effort at USC, James appeared in 25 games, averaging 19 minutes on the court. He put up five points per game on 37 percent shooting from the field. From beyond the arc, James knocked down 27 percent of his shots.

Many scouts and analysts point to James’ defense being his strong point heading into the draft. If teams believe in a positive offensive development over time, the freshman out of USC could be a notable project pick beyond the lottery.

According to ESPN’s post-combine mock draft, James is still available 53 picks in. However, the Pistons pass up on him, leading the Boston Celtics to pick him up at No. 54 overall.

A lot can change over the next few weeks, but James is surely set to be in line to join an NBA organization after forgoing his remaining college eligibility.

No position group received more reinforcements this offseason for the Detroit Lions than the cornerbacks.

General manager Brad Holmes identified the position as one of clear need, and the organization hit the offseason hard in search of new talent. Matters weren’t helped when Cam Sutton, one of last year’s top options, was released due to an ongoing legal issue.

Neither of the Lions’ starters from the season opener are on the roster, meaning the Lions are in search of new leaders. They added two veterans in Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson, both of whom will help the unit.

Holmes wasn’t done making moves, though. He traded up in the first round of the NFL Draft to select Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, then doubled up by picking Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw in the second round.

Emmanuel Moseley, who played just two snaps before suffering a torn ACL, is also back in the fold on another one-year contract.

As a result, the Lions’ secondary will have a new look. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is now tasked with finding the best spots to place all of the new talent.

Roster bubble

As it stands, the Lions have as many as five players who are locks to make the roster. Assuming Moseley is healthy, he should be in a good spot to crack the final 53-man roster. However, a delay in his recovery could send him to the PUP list to begin the year which would open a spot.

Three cornerbacks who made the team last year could be in danger of losing their spots. Khalil Dorsey, Kindle Vildor and Steven Gilmore all got reps on last year’s team, but with the added talent will have to battle to retain their spots.

Dorsey was solid on special teams last year when healthy and also started at cornerback when Jerry Jacobs was sent to the bench. However, it was ultimately Vildor who started down the stretch and through the team’s playoff run.

Vildor is the most tenured of the group in terms of playing experience, but he left more to be desired with his performance last year. Still, the Lions could value his ability to step in in a pinch.

Gilmore showed off some upside last year in the preseason and ultimately earned a spot on the roster. He was utilized mostly in a special teams role and didn’t log many meaningful snaps as a rookie.

If the Lions are looking for upside, Gilmore may be the pick. However, Dorsey and Vildor both proved reliable at points last year.

There’s also a pair of potential spot stealers in the mix in Morice Norris Jr. and Craig James. Norris is a hard-hitting versatile UDFA out of Fresno State, while James spent most of the 2023 season on the practice squad.