In the modern NBA, playmaking guards with the ability to shoot are one of the most sought-after player archetypes. Perhaps the only position more valuable in the league currently is 3-and-D wing players.
The upcoming NBA Draft, though, is short on wing players at the top of the class but has one of the better playmaking guards to enter the draft in recent years in LaMelo Ball. Ball already figures to be at the top of most draft boards but one NBA scout says that nearly every team should have Ball atop their draft boards.
Via Ian Begley of SNY:
“This shouldn’t surprise anyone who has followed the 2020 draft class, but the Knicks have LaMelo Ballranked as the top point guard on their draft board, an SNY source confirmed. One opposing scout said he assumed most teams have Ball at the top.”
Ball’s versatility will also make him a valuable prospect. At nearly 6’7″, he’ll be able to play either backcourt position, though he’ll certainly need to work on his defense regardless of what position he plays in the NBA. Offensively, he’ll also need to work on the consistency of his long-range shooting and will likely have similar output as his older brother Lonzo did with hot and cold stretches before finding a middle ground.
But given all the uncertainty at the top of the draft, Ball feels like one of the more sure things. His passing ability and instincts paired with his height means he should always be a productive player in the NBA.
[lawrence-related id=22492,22485,22478]