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On Wednesday, a report surfaced that indicated projected first-round pick LaMelo Ball was in Boston to meet with the Celtics for a private workout. As it turned out, Ball was in Bean Town this week but it wasn’t to visit with the Celtics.
The initial report stated that Ball was spotted at a hotel in Boston and told a passerby that he was on his way to work out with the Celtics. However, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, Ball was in Boston for a meeting with PUMA, the apparel company he recently signed with.
Prospects are not currently permitted to meet in-person with teams ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft due to the coronavirus. The NBA is working toward allowing teams to meet with prospects in-person but that process is not expected to begin until mid-October.
Source says LaMelo Ball was in Boston for a meeting with sneaker company Puma, not the Celtics, as some online reports have indicated. In-person pre-draft workouts/meetings with teams are not permitted at the moment.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) September 17, 2020
Ball confirmed last week that he signed a multi-year endorsement contract with PUMA. The terms of the contract are not yet known but Ball will join a brand attempting to strengthen its place in the basketball market after signing the likes of Kyle Kuzma, Marcus Smart and others.
The Celtics haven’t been linked to Ball during the pre-draft process since they are selecting at the end of the lottery. Ball is widely considered to be a top-five pick and is expected to be off of the board by the time the Celtics are on the clock with the 14th overall pick.
However, the Celtics also hold the 26th and 30th picks in the first round and could, theoretically, attempt to move up if they desire. The team could use some additional depth at the guard position but it seems unlikely they will try to trade up for Ball.
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