New York Knicks: ‘Multiple teams’ believe LaMelo Ball prefers NY
By Dalton Sell
LaMelo Ball and the New York Knicks have seemingly been linked for months now, but new reports suggest the guard wants the team to draft him.
Ever since LaMelo Ball declared for the NBA draft, the New York Knicks have appeared to be the ideal fit. This franchise has become a revolving door for point guards in recent years, losing the likes of Derrick Rose, Emmanuel Mudiay, and several others. Drafting the 18-year-old could be a turning point for this franchise in need of a long-term option at point guard.
As much as the Knicks make sense for Ball in terms of fit, landing him would be far easier said than done. Ranked No. 1 on many scout’s lists of draft prospects, New York would not be the only team after Ball.
The Knicks currently have just a nine percent chance to land the No. 1 overall draft selection, and 37.2 percent to fall within the top-four. It will take a great deal of luck to land in a spot where Ball would be within their reach, but it appears that the guard is reportedly hoping that is where his NBA career begins.
"“As teams do their homework on players in the draft, there’s been a consistent theme about LaMelo Ball: multiple teams believe Ball and those in his circle prefer that he lands in New York. (Those teams have picks projected later in the first round than the Knicks, for what it’s worth.)”"
LaMelo’s interest in the Knicks genuinely makes sense and could be an excellent fit for both parties. The guard has had the spotlight on him for most of his life, partially because of brother Lonzo Ball of the New Orleans Pelicans, perhaps even more so because of his father, the outspoken LaVar Ball.
Ball would undoubtedly be one of the most highly anticipated prospects coming into the league in recent memory, and there would not be a better place for him than New York. He is undoubtedly used to being in the limelight, and seeing him play in Madison Square Garden night would be quite the spectacle.
LaVar spoke Lonzo getting drafted to the Los Angeles Lakers into existence several years ago, and perhaps he is now attempting to do the same thing with LaMelo.
Speaking to Fox Sports 1’s Undisputed in March, LaVar was characteristically adamant about where he wants his youngest son to play. He blatantly stated, “It’s time for something good happen to the Knicks.”
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Although LaVar’s track record of outlandish comments have been skeptical, it appears that he is right this time. The Knicks need something to help revamp this wallowing franchise, and Ball undoubtedly is the clear-cut option.
At 6’7″, the 18-year-old guard can do it all when it comes to playmaking, rebounding, and especially scoring. In 12 games with the Illawarra Hawks, Ball averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, showing significant signs of potential. He and soon to be second-year guard RJ Barrett would form a lethal young backcourt, while a LaMelo Ball-Mitchell Robison pick-and-roll would be dynamic.
For now, all New York fans can do is wait. The NBA’s draft lottery will take place on August 25th, with the draft itself on October 15th. Anticipation builds for the Knicks with each passing day as the lottery gets closer.
LaMelo Ball certainly fits at the point guard position that the New York Knicks have not been able to get right for years now, and fans can only hope this is the year they finally get it right.
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