LaMelo Ball has gained many fans along his winding path to the precipice of the NBA but he may have just had his biggest fan speak up for him. Scottie Pippen, an NBA Hall of Farmer who was one of the centerpieces of “The Last Dance” this summer, chose the youngest Ball brother when asked who would be the top pick in the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft (h/t Christian Rivas of Silver Screen & Roll).
“I’m going to be honest, I think it’s going to be LaMelo Ball — I really do. I think just because his dad has stayed out of the way, he looks composed. We’ve watched this young man for the last couple of years . He’s a very handsome young man, solid on the basketball court. I think he is going to be the player — I’ve interviewed with him on ‘The Jump,’ he speaks very intelligently — I think he’s going to surprise people. I think he has the leadership qualities to go into a team like Minnesota and help bring them to life. I think this young player will be a player that fans and young men and women can follow and love and adapt his style of play.”
Ball appeared on “The Jump” nearly a year ago to announce his decision to join the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL. That appearance looks to have been enough to make Pippen a fan.
Pippen’s scouting report of Ball is one of the more glowing ones as well. Few people have credited Ball’s leadership despite him having led a professional franchise in Illawarra at 18 years old. Whether it’s Minnesota, as Pippen predicted, or another team near the top of the draft, Ball looks likely to find success at the next level.