While star power does not dictate where players go in the NBA Draft, it has a large effect on how players has profiled and could be a tiebreaker in certain situations. LaVar Ball has been adamant since early on that his youngest son’s, LaMelo, should be the No. 1 pick for that reason.
Unlike many of the ideas held by LaVar, the notion that Ball has the most star power in the draft is not one held just by him. DraftExpress’ Mike Schmitz recently noted that many general managers around the NBA also feel Ball will put the most fans in seats – virtual or not – at the next level.
“Several general managers and front-office executives told ESPN that Ball has the most star power in the draft and should be considered a top-two or top-three pick leaguewide.”
LaVar’s argument has long been that, when there is a logjam of options at the top of the draft for the No. 1 pick, the player that has the most star power is the one that separates himself. He often cites the 2019 NBA Draft, though not at the top spot, while referencing Ja Morant separating himself from R.J. Barrett for the second pick.
In 2020, a similar story could play out. LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman will be the oft-debated top three in the draft with little separating them. Ball could distance himself from the others due to being the player with the most star power.
A simple check of his Instagram would show his popularity as he currently sports 5.5 million followers. His social media following will make him a star in the league from a popularity standpoint from day one.
Whether that factors into his draft position or is any sort of determining factor in him being the No. 1 draft pick come October will be a discussion for each team, general manager and scout to have over the next two months.
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