Despite Serious Concerns, LaMelo Ball Seen As Part Of 2020 NBA Top 5 Picks
The Ball brand is not exactly a name that commands positive reaction, chiefly because of the outspoken LaVar Ball and Lonzo Ball. So coming from the same family, LaMelo Ball can capitalize on the recall so he could attract interest from NBA clubs or he could be brushed aside as well. That could happen because of his surname and the level of his basketball skills.
The latter seemed to sum up the sentiments so far from NBA teams that have been monitoring the latest Ball attempting to make a name on the league. According to NBA insider Chad Ford, interested teams might be wary that the younger Ball will not live up to the better expectations.
Among the issues as reported by HoopsHype: "He's not an explosive athlete. He's been a really streaky shooter with poor form on a shot. He struggled as an on-the-ball defender."
Most likely, the unfavorable observation was based on Ball's two-year stint in Lithuania and Australia, and what he had achieved playing professionally was some sort of a mixed bag. The 18-year-old registered a decent 17 points per game and considerable contribution in other aspects of the game.
In other words, the draft hopeful has the talent that could give him a shot at the league but some executives are not getting their hopes too high, if Ford is to be believed.
At best, the younger Ball is touted to simply follow the footsteps of Lonzo. The latter turned out as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft pick, thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers.
When he suited up, Lonzo Ball struggled to claim his spot with the Lakers and ended up packing his back to join the Pelicans after only a season. Lonzo did better with New Orleans but his skill set was never deemed close to spectacular.
LaMelo is characterized by offensive and defensive talents that will not lead to teams scampering to win his signature. The projection is he could only go as far as Lonzo did, and it's not an encouraging path for the younger Ball.
Another thing tipped to work against Ball is his surname and Ford said: "He carries some of that baggage of the Ball name with him as well."
Bleacher Report said Ford's argument makes sense. LaVar, for instance, is not exactly popular. The older Ball is seen as more of a magnet for controversy, which the man appears to actually relish.
Notwithstanding all these reservations, the road to the lottery is still on for LaMelo Ball and per the same report, it will not come as a surprise if he gets in the top-five circle of the draft. But when the draft will be is still a mystery.