Okay, look. We all know there are flaws with LaMelo Ball.
His shot — like that of his older brother, the New Orleans Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball — needs work. He’s playing in the National Basketball League in Australia, against competition that scouts will no doubt view as lesser than college players, and perhaps franchises would rather see him coached in the United States.
But after what Ball did in his latest game, shouldn’t we at least consider the fact that he might be in the running for the No. 1 overall selection?
Ball — who came into Monday’s game averaging 14.7 ppg, 6.1 apg and 6.7 rpg for the Illawarra Hawks — notched a triple-double and hit a game-tying three. He’s the youngest player in the league’s history to have a triple-double.
🚨 LaMelo Ball Triple-Double 🚨
With this assist, LaMelo Ball now has 24 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists. He is the youngest player to have a triple-double in NBL history.#NBL20 #CNSatILL pic.twitter.com/eSWzLGEUgx
— NBL (@NBL) November 25, 2019
And here’s that shot from distance:
SEE INCREDIBLE. LAMELO TIES IT.#NBL20 #CNSatILL pic.twitter.com/zfguc3RTHd
— NBL (@NBL) November 25, 2019
I know, I know. James Wiseman has a chance at being a generational big man. I see a lot of people taking Georgia’s Anthony Edwards in the top-three as a scoring guard.
But can we consider that Ball could be the top selection, especially if there’s team who needs a point guard who wins the lottery?
At least we know Ball believes it. Here’s what he said earlier this month:
"Are you the number one pick in 2020?"
"I believe so"
LaMelo Ball is full of confidence! pic.twitter.com/J2NWUPzfVo
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 9, 2019
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