While some recent mock drafts have seen LaMelo Ball fall outside the top three, Sam Vecenie’s latest mock draft breaks that trend. Always one of Ball’s most ardent defenders as the top prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft, Vecenie’s newest mock draft for The Athletic, his sixth in total, saw Ball go second to the Phoenix Suns.
Astute followers of the 2020 NBA mock draft would notice the Suns typically do not have the second pick. Vecenie ran a lottery simulation via Tankathon to get his order, which saw the Suns jump into the top three.
Here’s Vecenie’s explanation on why Phoenix should go for Ball:
“If I were with Phoenix and we got lucky enough to move up on draft night, I’d want to take a home run swing on someone who could really take the team into the next stratosphere in terms of upside. Ball’s ability in pick-and-roll would really help create easier shots for Ayton, and would allow Booker to play more off ball and get free as a scorer. Ricky Rubio’s addition was super helpful to the team in that regard, helping to foster the development of those two young stars. But given his contract and age, Rubio obviously isn’t the long-term answer. Ball would bring many of the same qualities Rubio does, just with much more upside due to his body control and ability to create separation being stronger.”
Phoenix has not been a landing spot often discussed for Ball as the Suns have been closer to a playoff contender than atop the draft lottery standings. But if they were to have a bit of luck on the night of the draft lottery, the Suns could land the final piece of their rebuild.
In the backcourt, Ball would find himself with two great partners in Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio. The former would be his long-term partner and would help create one of the best young pairings in the league. The latter would serve as a short-term mentor that could be particularly beneficial to him.
Rubio is a player that has carved out a lengthy career with a spotty outside shot. While Ball’s shot projects to be better than his percentages from the NBL, he could still learn some tricks of the trade. Rubio also has gained a reputation as an above-average defender at the point guard position, another area that Ball could benefit to learn some tips from.
In all, it would be a solid landing spot for Ball as it would provide him both an opportunity at long-term success but without the pressure of contributing from day one.
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