LaMelo Ball took an interesting risk by joining the NBL to continue his basketball career. With a likely easier option available in joining the Chinese Basketball Association, Ball chose Australia and one of the tougher non-NBA leagues.
His risk paid off as he jumped into the discussion for the No. 1 pick because of the success he had in the league. Despite his success, though, it came in a poor environment as the Illawarra Hawks were a franchise that the league took over before being sold in the weeks after Ball departed.
At the next level, the environment around him will play a bigger role in his development, something Sydney Kings head coach Will Weaver pointed out in his recent appearance on The Wingspan podcast.
“The arc of development is long and the context these guys go into matters so much. Everything I’ve heard is really positive about their likelihood of taking advantage of those opportunities. I’ll be interested to see how their careers compare to Didi Louzada or Jae’sean Tate or any of these other young guys that have big dreams and a long way to go and are willing to take some risks to get there. It’s pretty compelling to watch and be apart of.”
Pelicans fans are familiar with Didi Louzada, who will return to the Kings next season for a second year with the club. Jae’sean Tate is a 24-year old that earned First Team All-NBL honors this season and will likely make the jump to the NBA next season.
Weaver had some high praise for Ball in the same interview, comparing him to Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson. He went on to speak more about Ball’s versatility and the reason he’s optimistic about his defense.
“I think what’s exciting about LaMelo is just the versatility that he has. The ability to be a playmaker and learn to not only be dynamic but become a great decision-maker. I think he’s well and truly on the path there. Some of the physical aspects that he has means that he’s got a chance to become a good defender.”
If Ball can land with the right team and the right staff around him, it’s entirely possible he can live up to the lofty words of Weaver. But even if he doesn’t, as we saw with Illawarra this season, it’s still possible for Ball to stand out due to his immense talent.