LaMelo Ball is getting the hype treatment in the upcoming NBA draft. He is sure to be among the top picks with outfits like the Warriors, the Knicks, and the Wolves reportedly keen on signing the incoming rookie. However, scout reports on the player are not exactly glowing, in fact, even warning that Ball is a dangerous pick.
There is nothing much to go by to assess Ball's capabilities comprehensively. The best that he can boast of was previous professional engagements outside of the NBA. Or scouts were forced to compare him to big brother Lonzo Ball, and the reports returned were far from flattering.
One scout said having Ball on the team could prove problematic and rewarding at the same time, the USA Today reported, citing the information shared by Marc Berman of The New York Post.
"LaMelo is a very dangerous choice. A very high risk-reward. All the baggage that comes with a decision like that is not what the Knicks need," the scout was reported as saying.
The comments also referred to the likelihood that the Knicks could be considering Ball, which is a move that the scout is not supportive of.
Yet there is the possibility too that Ball could turn out an asset. The same report mentioned his "elite vision" that can be a factor for success. If the rookie candidate can capitalize on this quality, then his coming in to a team could spell a huge difference.
Ball's records indicated a shooting that is not immediately inspiring. But his older brother Lonzo proved that improvements can be worked on this matter. If the younger Ball can level up on this aspect and make it more than decent, then he certainly is worth the risk.
As the scout hinted, signing Ball is a gamble, and success is not assured but the window remains open for the young man to exceed expectations.
It would seem that when it comes to potentials, Ball has a fan in Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen. The former court partner of Michael Jordan gave his vote of confidence to the draftee rather generously. Pippen is convinced Ball has the makings of a future NBA star.
Ball is set to become the No. 1 pick this year, Pippen said.
"I think it's going to be LaMelo Ball ... He looks composed ... He's a very handsome young man, solid on the basketball court. I think he is going to be the player," Bro Bible reported the NBA legend as saying.
In Ball, Pippen sees leadership and intelligence, and these qualities are basic for players to make a name on the league.
Pippen's prediction is line with the earlier assertion made by Jonathan Givony, ESPN's NBA draft expert, that Ball is well-positioned to be the No. 1 pick this year.
