The New York Knicks continue to put out signals that LaMelo Ball is their top target in the 2020 NBA Draft. Reading between the lines, it was clear the Knicks were high on Ball with a report last week that the team was already discussing potential trades to move up in the draft. Add in Ball’s camp looking to steer their way to New York and there was certainly a fair amount of smoke to the rumors.
But Saturday’s scoop from the New York Post cut straight to the chase. Marc Berman reported that the Knicks have Ball as the top-rated point guard on their board.
The Post has learned unequivocally LaMelo Ball is currently the top-rated point guard on the Knicks’ board.
That should hardly be surprising, knowing new president Leon Rose likes to shoot for the stars. Knicks officials believe the 6-foot-7 playmaker/driver has one of the higher upsides in the entire draft despite his lack of a 3-point shot.
When looking at point guards in the draft, Ball has few rivals for the top spot. Killian Hayes is another prospect who spent last year playing overseas in Germany and figures to also be one of the first point guards to come off the board. Tyrese Haliburton will also likely be a lottery pick but neither seem likely to go before Ball.
But that does not change the Knicks’ interest in Ball. The connections between Ball and Knicks president Leon Rose further stokes the fire. And as the draft eventually closes in, those connections will likely continue to only grow stronger.