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With the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected LaMelo Ball from the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League.
Ball was widely considered to be a top-three pick following his season abroad and ultimately fell to Charlotte with the third pick. He recently hosted a private pre-draft workout for several teams in Southern California, which included the Hornets.
The 20-year-old was named the NBL Rookie of the Year after averaging 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, seven assists and 1.7 steals in 12 games with the Illawarra Hawks. However, Ball struggled to shoot after converting on just 37% from the field and 24% from 3-point range.
OFFICIAL: The Hornets have selected @MELOD1P with the No. 3 pick!!!
WELCOME TO BUZZ CITY LAMELO!!! pic.twitter.com/ODGLK87BJf
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 19, 2020
Ball was voted the most intriguing prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft in a survey of 20 anonymous agents conducted by The Athletic last month. He has perhaps the highest upside of any player in the draft given his basketball IQ and passing vision but will need to continue to develop his game in Charlotte.
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