NBA Draft: 4 surprise destinations for a sliding LaMelo Ball

Teams that should consider LaMelo Ball in the NBA draft: Hawks and Knicks

Atlanta Hawks

Did somebody say “youth movement”? That describes the situation the Atlanta Hawks are in to a tee, much like the Detroit Pistons. The Hawks have been in their rebuild longer than the Pistons have, mind you, but they should also take advantage of a suddenly fluid situation brought about by a sliding LaMelo Ball should they get the opportunity. Since drafting Trae Young, the Hawks have been known for having no backup point guard, and Ball could slot into that role. The Hawks are in a situation where they need to be drafting the best player available rather than fit, so they should draft Ball and figure out the fit later.

New York Knicks

Seems like just yesterday that the New York Knicks thought they were going to get Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Zion Williamson and ended up with Reggie Bullock and RJ Barrett instead. Better star-power delayed than no star-power at all, however, and while LaMelo Ball and Zion Williamson are not in the same stratosphere as far as ability and potential goes, the Knicks are a team ready to pounce on a potential young star if he slides down the draft rankings.