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Potential No. 1 overall pick LaMelo Ball reportedly worked out with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, his first with a team ahead of the NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Givony previously reported that Ball was expected to meet for a second time with the Timberwolves, who hold the first pick in the draft, and suspected the 19-year-old would be asked to work out with the team. Timberwolves president Gersson Rosas and head coach Ryan Saunders were among those to attend the workout in Southern California.
Minnesota, according to the report, put Ball through a variety of shooting drills and other exercises to test his ball-handling and conditioning. He apparently performed well during his first private workout and shot the ball with ease.
In addition to the Timberwolves, Ball has previously interviewed in-person with the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, who hold the first four picks in the draft, respectively. He is expected to be a top-three pick next week but he could have a stronger chance to go No. 1 based on his workout.
The Timberwolves were once viewed as a team that could look to trade down but the front office has reportedly turned down offers recently for the top pick, a signal that they could be willing to keep the selection. However, that stance could change as the draft approaches.
The NBA draft is scheduled to begin on Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.
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