2020 NBA draft profile: International prospect LaMelo Ball

The overall outlook for LaMelo Ball

Ball is projected to be a 1-to-3 pick in the NBA draft and there’s no real debate around it. The upside of a 6’7” passing savant, is too much to pass on (no pun intended.) This is especially since the quality of this draft at the top on the board compared to other years. Draft gurus only state three players who should be considered the “star” prospects – James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards, and LaMelo Ball.

Who should take LaMelo Ball in the NBA draft?

For this discussion, there will be no trade scenarios involved with teams outside the top 5 picks, which includes in order – Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Timberwolves would fit with Ball… on offense, kind of. D’Angelo Russell would be forced off-ball for a majority of the game and yes, he’s a good shooter but he generally has succeeded when the rock is in his hands. That being said it would be perfect with Karl Anthony Towns, pick and roll/pop every third possession and Ball can actually throw an entry pass.

However, the Timberwolves might be the worst defense in history? A Ball, Russell, and Towns lineup would have the other teams licking their lips on offense.

The Warriors want to win, maybe he’d work but defense matters to the Warriors and I’m not sure Draymond would stay sane with both Andrew Wiggins and LaMelo Ball on his team.

The Hornet could use anything at this point so sure, throw them a bone.

The Bulls could trade up and use him, they desperately need a playmaker. And yes, it would also be a bad defense but at least they have Wendal Carter Jr? I broke the fit down previously, and overall it would be a solid fit.  

Additionally, Bulls.com writer Sam Smith and I spoke about on the Chicago Bulls website.

And lastly the Cavs, oh the Cavs… they have Collin Sexton and Darius Garland (both guards), so adding Ball would just be the old “hope someone turns out great and trade the other one(s).”

My personal opinion would be from three teams, The Timberwolves, the Bulls, and the Warriors… in a draft and trade with a team like the New York Knicks or Detriot Pistons.

Head coach Matt Flinn speaking about LaMelo Ball.

The head coach of LaMelo Ball with the Illawarra Hawks was Matt Flinn. Coach Flinn spoke to Hoops Habit about LaMelo as a player, person, and his drive to improve.

"He (Ball) had a great attitude for basketball and displayed a growth mindset towards his basketball development with me, and as a result, we saw the trajectory that he was on going back to back triple-doubles’. I am proud to have played a big part of his development. When you reflect on what he was able to do individually in the NBL at such a young age it is quite remarkable."

The NBL will be watching but so will the world and we’ll all be watching where LaMelo Ball goes in the 2020 NBA draft.