The Golden State Warriors have the second overall pick in this year’s NBA draft, carrying with it the potential to land guard LaMelo Ball.
For better or worse, Ball is one of the most well-known basketball prospects in recent memory.
The youngest of the three Ball brothers, LaMelo may have the most potential. His oldest brother Lonzo Ball, second overall pick in the 2017 draft, has even gone on record saying that LaMelo is better.
However, while some have a negative view of LaMelo Ball due to the “reality-television” nature of his family, it is hard to deny his talent on the court.
RT if you think LaMelo Ball should go #1 overall in the draft 🤫 @MELOD1P pic.twitter.com/jZjG8fDpQk
— Overtime (@overtime) November 14, 2020
The Talent
Ball brings a unique skillset to the table.
He is a 6-foot 7-inch point guard who is quick off the dribble and has the ability to hang in the air when driving to the rim.
His best trait, however, is his playmaking and passing.
With the ability to also heat up from beyond the arc, Ball has tantalizing tools.
During his freshman year at Chino Hills High School in California, Ball was known as a 5-foot 10-inch sharpshooter who would fire from anywhere on the court.
In his sophomore year, Ball’s 92-point game got a lot attention on social media.
Then, a two-year growth spurt saw Ball add eight inches to his height, making him a legitimate NBA prospect.
His experience in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) this past winter stood out too.
While there, he averaged 17 PPG before being sidelined for the season with a bruised foot.
He was named the NBL’s Rookie of the Year.
His performance in Australia helped boost his draft stock, elevating him to a top three selection in many mock drafts.
Success in pre-draft workouts has led some to believe that he will go to the Minnesota Timberwolves with the first overall selection.
Multiple NBA front offices are “under the assumption” that LaMelo Ball is going No. 1 to the T-Wolves or a team trades up to take him, per @DraftExpress pic.twitter.com/iIXMXsDaKo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 9, 2020
If the Timberwolves pass on him, the attention then turns to the Warriors for their decision.
Would LaMelo Be A Fit With The Warriors?
Upon first glance, superstar point guard Stephen Curry already fills a role that Ball would take.
In Curry, they have a primary ballhandler and playmaker who spaces the floor and draws the attention of the defense.
Would adding Ball lead to having too many cooks in the kitchen?
If the Warriors added him into the same offense they run now, then it may.
For Ball to be most successful, he would need to have the basketball in his hands throughout the game.
Making The Warriors Better With Ball
If added to the team’s game plan in the right way, Ball could make the Warriors’ offense even deadlier.
The reason Ball is projected as a top pick is for his playmaking ability.
His passing is clearly special when watching his highlights.
By taking the ball out of Curry’s hands and letting Ball use his playmaking abilities, there would be more open shots for the entire team.
If Ball were to prove himself as a threat in the NBA, the strength of the Warriors’ shooting would be elevated further.
Every time he would drive, the defense would need to make a decision on whether to crash, leaving Klay Thompson and Curry open.
The Warriors would either have an easy layup or open three from two of the best shooters in NBA history.
James Wiseman reportedly is no longer "a lock" for the Warriors after LaMelo Ball impressed during a recent workout 👀https://t.co/1Gk5wKFHpZ pic.twitter.com/B1Mm8AbGlj
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 16, 2020
Whether it is with the Warriors or not, expect a lot of buzz surrounding Ball and whatever team that makes a move for him on draft day.
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