[jwplayer 3TswHlh9]
LaMelo Ball will enter the 2020-21 season with some lofty expectations as the No. 3 overall pick and they just reached a new level following some recent comments made by his father, LaVar.
The outspoken father of the Ball brothers recently spoke with TMZ Sports this week and proclaimed his youngest son will be named the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Charlotte Hornets.
Not only did he predict it but he also guaranteed it.
“Rookie of the Year? Guaranteed!” LaVar said. “Teaming up with [Hornets team owner] Michael Jordan and you can’t get rookie of the year? Are you crazy?”
Following the NBA draft, LaMelo was anointed the favorite to win the annual award by BetMGM over the likes of James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards, the top two picks. Of course, he boasts prior professional experience and that will likely be to his advantage next season.
The 20-year-old was named the National Basketball League Rookie of the Year after averaging 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals in 12 games last season with the Illawarra Hawks. He also shot 37% from the field and 24% from sssssssss3-point range.
Hornets head coach James Borrego praised Ball for his professional experience and believes that will help him pick up the offense quickly. His ability to step in will certainly dictate his chances at winning Rookie of the Year but the Hornets believe he will have a smooth transition.
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