As the talk with regards to LaMelo Ball in the 2020 NBA Draft has focused on whether he will go to the Timberwolves with the No. 1 pick, there has been little talked about where he would go if he isn’t the top pick.
The Golden State Warriors don’t appear to be a realistic option. There remains the possibility that the Warriors trade the pick themselves, opening the way for another team to draft Ball. Should he slip past the No. 2 pick, the possibilities quickly open up as the Hornets would have the next go at him.
The above scenario is what played out in the latest Sporting News Australia mock draft by Eric Fawcett. After the Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards first and the Warriors drafted Deni Avdija, the Hornets selected Ball to add to their crowded backcourt.
“The most recent evolution in NBA basketball is the move from small, traditional point guards handling the rock to bigger wings being the primary initiators, a trend started by LeBron James and Kevin Durant and more recently advanced by Ben Simmons and Luka Doncic. In this draft class it’s LaMelo Ball who brings ball handling and offensive creation to the table at 6-foot-7 and his ability to read defenses and make the flashy pass or get into the paint and demonstrate his otherworldly touch around the rim makes him an enticing prospect at the top of the draft. Teams will be hoping his jump shot straightens out and his effort on defence will finally improve under the bright lights of the highest level of hoops but offensive instincts at 6-foot-7 are tough to ignore.”
Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham present interesting roadblocks in Ball’s path to starting in Charlotte. But even that has its benefits as it would take the pressure off Ball to contribute at a high level from day one. It would be just another wrinkle in the draft when it comes to Ball.
[lawrence-related id=26610,26593,26590]