In recent weeks, LaMelo Ball’s game has undergone scrutiny from draft analysts, scouts and fans alike during the NBA’s hiatus. With time available for an extended look at his game, questions have arisen about his flaws as a prospect.
However, one prominent draft analyst in The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie has gone the other way on Ball during the league’s break. In his latest 2020 NBA Draft big board, Vecenie moved Ball to the top spot after watching more game film recently.
As he notes in his piece, Vecenie sees Ball as having the highest ceiling of those in contention for the No. 1 spot in the draft, thus leading to his move to the top spot.
Having said that, if Ball reaches his ceiling, he has the most potential to be an absolute difference-maker. He’s the one with the most upside. He plays a critical position of value that is tough to find as a lead guard. Simply put, in terms of positional value, there is not a center worth taking at No. 1 overall in this draft. Due to how easy it is to find those players on the market, the only centers who should be taken at No. 1 are those who have a high likelihood of being All-NBA representatives.
In his most recent mock draft in mid-March, Vecenie had Ball going second overall to the New York Knicks, a common landing spot for the guard. That, too, was a jump from some of his previous mock drafts like in November when he was slotted fifth overall to the Charlotte Hornets.
Vecenie noted that Ball and Anthony Edwards were the two players atop his big board with it being a virtual toss-up between the two. Even with that in mind, he’s one of the few to still have Ball high upon his big board. DraftExpress’ latest mock draft in mid-February had Ball going fourth overall.
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