One of the more enticing options for LaMelo Ball to land in the 2021 NBA Draft would be with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Offensively, Ball would be a dream fit next to a guard that can play off and on the ball in D’Angelo Russell and a great pick and roll partner in Karl-Anthony Towns.
One of the few times Ball has been projected to land in the upper Midwest was in Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft. Jonathan Wasserman had Ball going third behind Anthony Edwards to the Golden State Warriors and James Wiseman second to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Here’s what Wasserman had to say about the Ball pick:
At No. 3, the Minnesota Timberwolves would likely deem LaMelo Ball’s star power and passing too enticing rather than question his defensive fit alongside D’Angelo Russell.
They should be able to work fine offensively since both possess enough size and skill versatility to play off the ball.
But Minnesota may be better off using Ball more at the point while letting Russell focus on scoring. The primary draw to LaMelo is his special vision and ability to create quality looks for teammates off transition and ball screens.
His outside shot has caused scouts to hesitate before calling him a sure-thing star. But despite the unorthodox mechanics and 25.0 percent three-point mark, he still hit 1.7 threes per game overseas before turning 19 years old.
Teams will be hoping for a chance to scout Ball’s jumper up close, but at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, draft workouts seem unlikely.
Ball and Russell would certainly produce one of the better offensive backcourts in the Western Conference. Both players are versatile as guards and can play on and off the ball. Both have moments where they look to be top tier passers, though both have questions as to whether they can be league guards.
There would certainly be some hesitations with drafting Ball given the defensive problems that would arise. Neither player is considered a strong defender or even a passable one. But Ball is a player worth taking that risk for because, if the best case scenario pans out, the Timberwolves could be looking at a franchise cornerstone.