After high praise during the first months of the season, DraftExpress unveiled its latest 2020 NBA Draft big board with LaMelo Ball atop for the first time. Ball has steadily risen from a late second-round pick last year to top pick this year.
DraftExpress’ current projection for Ball is as a franchise point guard. While Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz discussed who should be the top pick with a wide open competition that includes James Wiseman of Memphis and Anthony Edwards of Georgia, the consensus opinion is Ball, at least for now.
While delivering lengthy glowing reports in the past, DraftExpress offered a more brief version of his strengths in the latest big board.
– Has elite size for a point guard at 6-foot-7. Controls the game from his unique vantage point with impressive creativity, flair, poise and instincts operating off a live dribble. Gifted ball handler who plays at different speeds and can make every pass with either hand, especially operating out of pick-and-roll. Throws 90-foot outlets, makes magical touch passes.
– Has a chance to be an adequate defender eventually due to his combination of terrific size, quick feet and instincts, particularly when he’s playing with energy. Already has some impressive moments at times rotating for steals and contesting shots around the basket. Excellent rebounder for a guard.
– Won’t turn 19 until well after the draft. Will be one of the youngest players picked in the first round. Might still be growing. Frame should continue to evolve into his 20s.
Much of Ball’s positives focus on his potential due to his size and youth. He has a high IQ, the length to be a lead guard and the youth to still grow into his body as it continues to grow.
The negatives, meanwhile, deal with some of his inconsistencies on the offensive end.
– Has struggled to score efficiently throughout his career. Currently shooting 44% from 2-point range and 18% from 3. Shoots jumpers with unorthodox mechanics, including a two-handed release while kicking his legs out. The touch he shows on floaters and career 84% free throw percentage leaves room for optimism, but his inability to buy a basket at times this season has been discouraging.
– Lacks a degree of high-end explosiveness creating offense from a standstill and beating opponents off the dribble. Doesn’t have the strength to finish what he does create around the basket. Relies on a lot of tough floaters and other high degree of difficulty attempts inside the arc. Might not ever be a guy who goes and gets you a bucket in a pinch. Much more effective when he can move the defense and create for others.
– Indifferent defender for much of his career. Still reverts back to that frequently, especially off the ball, where he falls asleep regularly. Struggles to get over screens due to his lack of strength. Has been maligned at times for his work ethic and level of focus on and off the floor.
Ball will certainly have lots of questions about his game as he comes into the 2020 NBA Draft. But he’s also coming into his own in Australia with Illawarra and answering many of those questions as the season continues.
He’s closed the gap at the top of the NBA Draft and now could put some distance between himself and the rest of the field if he continues his strong play.