Aside from the Golden State Warriors, one of the more interesting potential landing spots in the 2020 NBA Draft for LaMelo Ball is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Already equipped with two lead guards on the roster that are an awkward fit, Ball would theoretically only add to that problem.
However, the Cavaliers are reportedly high on Ball to the point that they would draft if they land the No. 1 pick. CBS Sports’ latest 2020 NBA mock draft by Kyle Boone did not have Cleveland in the No. 1 spot but it did have Ball landing back in Ohio in the No. 2 pick.
Here’s Boone’s take on Ball and the Cavaliers’ reason for drafting him:
At just 18 years old, LaMelo Ball finished second in assists per game last season in the NBL — one of the top pro leagues in the world. So despite Cleveland taking two guards in the lottery in consecutive drafts, Ball is worth the upside play here regardless of how he fits in the near-term. His playmaking and vision stands head and shoulders above any prospect in this draft, making him a potential cornerstone on which the Cavs can build their franchise.
Ball does have a connection to the Cleveland area as SPIRE Institute is located in a suburb of the city. SPIRE’s connection to the area isn’t strong but Ball was featured on a billboard in the season.
The optimistic outlook of Ball with the Cavaliers is that having a strong guard off the bench has been a recipe for success in the past. Having one of the trio of Ball, Collin Sexton and Darius Garland coming off the bench could ultimately be a strength in the future. And considering how the NBA is moving more to positionless basketball and to small ball, there remains a possibility that all three could see time on the court together.
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