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LaMelo Ball’s path to the NBA was a winding one that drew much criticism. Ball never stepped foot on a college campus and instead spent time in Lithuania and Australia playing professionally. The lack of a conventional path meant that fans, scouts and front office personnel did not have easy access to Ball and led to some clouds of mystery surrounding him.
Eventually, Ball was selected No. 3 overall by Charlotte. Interestingly, Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak was one of the few NBA executives to see Ball in-person. Ball’s new head coach, James Borrego, had a different take on Ball’s time bouncing around professional leagues as a teenager.
“I really like that,” he said. “He’s been around pros. It’s a different level there. He’s been playing with grown men. I know a couple of guys he’s played with. They’re 35-, 40-year old men that he’s been around. He’s been a professional. I’m extremely excited about that. I like that. He’s already played in a professional environment. He understands what that’s like. I think that’s a big piece here.
“If he was in college, I think we’d be as excited but having the professional element adds,” Borrego added. “I think he’ll pick this up quicker because of it and he’s been around grown men. I do think that’s a big part of this next journey, this next step. I think he should hit the ground running.”
For all the things Ball’s journey was not in terms of traditional paths, what it did provide him with is an early look at what it takes to be a professional basketball player. Particularly his stop in the NBL seemed to have a positive impact on him. Ball was easily the youngest player on the roster last season, particularly amongst the regular rotation players.
Ball spoke about the benefits of “playing up” as his father had forced him to do at a young age.
“I always played (an age group) up at a young age and I just feel playing up will help you no matter what because…you’re going to learn different stuff beside playing with your age (group).”
Whether or not Ball’s path will prove to be better or worse than the more traditional path won’t be known until Ball steps onto the NBA court in real games and his skillset is finally seen against his peers.
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