Cleveland Cavaliers: Potential roles for 5 NBA Draft prospects
By Tony Pesta
4. LaMelo Ball
Role: Playmaker
If improving their defense is the Cavaliers’ top priority, playmaking is second on the list. Despite running a heavy rotation of three guards, the Cavs were one of the worst playmaking teams in the league last season.
Collin Sexton and Darius Garland have their fair share of issues together. Creating plays for others is one of their biggest weaknesses. Both combined to accumulate a low amount of assists (421) while turning the ball over at a high rate (309). Garland led the entire team in assists at just 3.9 per game. To no surprise, the Cavaliers scored only 57.3 percent of their field goals through assists. This placed them 24th in the league.
LaMelo Ball is a perfect fit to alleviate this problem. With an outstanding feel for the game and a flair for the incredible, Ball is without a doubt the most electric prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft.
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As an 18-year-old, Ball nearly led the NBL in assists at 6.8 per game. He is capable of whipping passes cross court to open teammates with accuracy and can create plays at a high level. Ball is constantly looking to push in transition and is aware of where his teammates are placed at all times.
There have been many instances of Ball utilizing his shifty handle to maneuver around the defense and bend them to his will. He isn’t focused primarily on scoring and instead uses his attacks to free up shooters on the perimeter.
Ball would instantly become the Cavaliers best playmaker. But, he can also make a difference in other areas as well. Ball has a 6’8″ frame and long arms that help him finish around the rim and clean up on the glass. The NBL’s rookie of the year is a walking triple-double.
Where he has yet to shine is the defensive end. Off-ball, LaMelo is prone to defensive lapses. He often loses focus and has a tendency to take plays off on this side of the floor. However, he has shown to be a gritty on-ball defender when he is engaged. His size and quick lateral movement give him the potential to one day become the elite perimeter defender that is older brother Lonzo has become.
Though Ball would be an obvious upgrade to the Cavs backcourt, it’s unlikely the franchise feels ready to give up on Garland and Sexton so early into their careers. Nonetheless, Ball is a top tier prospect that deserves consideration.