LaMelo Ball: 2020 NBA Draft Prospects
When the Los Angeles Lakers picked Lonzo Ball second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, it was largely due to the hype surrounding his name, mainly generated by his father, Lavar. Ball’s 18-year-old younger brother, LaMelo Ball, will likely take part in the 2020 NBA Draft.
LaMelo has had buzz surrounding him since a 92-point performance in his sophomore year of high school. The highlights from that game went viral, and made the Ball family even more famous than they already were, with middle brother LiAngelo UCLA-bound and Lonzo already in his freshman year there.
Due to their father’s money-grabbing and fame-seeking antics (pulling Melo and Gelo out of school to play professionally in Lithuania, claiming he could beat Michael Jordan – Michael. Jordan. in a 1v1, and starting a shoe and clothing company) the Ball brothers went from famous to infamous in an instant. People love to slander Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, and generally just ignore LiAngelo.
However, the truth is that Lonzo is a good all-around point guard who can play great defence.
LaMelo Ball’s NBL Debut
As for LaMelo? He’s playing in the Australian NBL, likely in preparation for the NBA next year. He had a light showing in his NBL debut, but impressed nonetheless – 12 points, 10 boards, five assists, 4 steals.
The teenager filled out the stat sheet nicely, but this was just a warning – there’s more to come from LaMelo Ball. What makes Ball so truly dangerous, and such an exciting prospect, are his physical gifts. His 6’7” size (and at just 18, potential to grow even taller) at the point guard position added to his length, natural court vision, and ability to finish at the rim have placed him in the conversation for the number one overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
2020 NBA Draft
With prospects such as Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway coached James Wiseman, Cole Anthony, Anthony Edwards, and fellow NBL star RJ Hampton in the mix, Ball is generally projected to fall anywhere between third and tenth at this point. However, recent reports from Forbes and ESPN could see LaMelo Ball rise to first overall on draft boards.
Given his size and seemingly effortless offensive game, scouts compared LaMelo to reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, Luka Doncic.
It’s still very early in the college and NBL seasons. A lot could change between now and the draft – Ball hasn’t even declared yet. With that being said, NBA teams, fans, and the media will all be keeping a very close eye on LaMelo Ball in his time down under. He’s certain to be a lottery pick, but don’t be surprised if you hear his name called first come June.
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