2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential busts
1. Lonzo Ball (No. 2) — Los Angeles Lakers
Ball is not the typical bust candidate, as he was a consensus top-three pick all season and on nearly every draft board. While some outlets expressed concern with the Lakers taking him with the second overall pick, it was close to a done deal since they were awarded the pick in the NBA Draft Lottery one month ago.
There is certainly plenty to like about Ball. Statistical models almost unanimously put him as the top prospect, in large part due to incredibly efficient scoring. No player in college basketball for at least 10 years has shot over 70 percent from two-point range and 40 percent from three-point range.
Ball is also a dynamic passer, completely altering a team’s culture to focus on ball movement and pace in order to generate the highest-quality looks. He transformed UCLA from a mediocre power-five team to an offensive powerhouse and national contender. In Luke Walton‘s system, Ball should thrive.
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That being said, there is a ton of pressure on Lonzo Ball to succeed and quickly in Los Angeles. The fan base is not used to losing, and is ready to turn things around immediately. All of LaVar Ball’s bluster about championships and “ordained by Zeus and Jesus” is not going to help things either.
Ball is also being handed the keys to the Lakers’ offense, and there are reasons to think he is not ready for that responsibility. He is a surprisingly weak ball-handler, proving unable to consistently attack big men on switches. A lack of elite athleticism means that Ball could struggle to finish against longer NBA defenders, and a point guard who always drives to pass will find those passing lanes snuffed out.
Defensively, Ball is a minus — and a significant one. While he has good height for the position, he is thin and prone to being beat up. A lack of lateral agility projects him to struggle on slipping screens, and he needs to improve on getting into a deep defensive stance.
Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
In the end, Lonzo Ball could become the showtime star the Lakers and their fans are counting on him to become. Alongside Paul George and another free agent, he could thrive and put up huge numbers. Or he could struggle under the weight of expectations and unravel all of Magic Johnson‘s plans. No pressure, Lonzo.