ESPN’s Mike Schmitz examines the unusual path LaMelo Ball has taken to become a potential No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. Ball first gained notice when he skipped eighth grade so he could play a season in high school with his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo. Since then, he has grown from 5’11” to 6’7″ and has taken a circuitous route through Lithuania, his father’s basketball league (JBA) and Illawarra in the NBL.
Several NBA general managers and executives told Schmitz they consider Ball to have the most star power in the draft and expect him to be selected in the top two or three. However, questions remain about the quality of competition he has faced and whether LaVar Ball will provide a distraction like he did when Lonzo was with the Lakers.
There’s more draft news ahead of tomorrow’s lottery:
- This year’s draft class is among the most balanced in recent memory, and many teams would privately prefer to pick second or third to avoid the spotlight that comes with the top choice, according to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated. He previews what’s at stake for all 14 teams involved in tomorrow’s drawing and cites the Warriors as the most intriguing. Woo suggests that if Golden State decides to keep its pick, it may prefer someone with more of a fully developed game, such as Obi Toppin or Tyrese Haliburton, rather than a talented project like Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman or Ball.
- Edwards remains at the top of the latest mock draft from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. He states that Edwards, Ball and Wiseman have become a consensus top three, but a shortage of information resulting from the postponement of the draft combine and a ban on in-person interviews continue to make this year’s draft unpredictable. Rounding out Givony’s top five, in order, are Wiseman, Ball, Israeli forward Deni Avdija, and USC big man Onyeka Okongwu.
- Israeli point guard Yam Madar confirmed his signing with CAA Sports, tweets international basketball writer Donatas Urbonas. Sources tell Urbonas that the 19-year-old has received “strong interest” from NBA teams after a good performance in the Israeli League playoffs. Madar, who projects as a possible late second-round pick, is training in Las Vegas.
- Shams Charania of The Athletic posted a video chat with French point guard Killian Hayes, a possible lottery selection.
Woo counteracts the local reporter who said GSW will prefer a future talent like Wiseman. I’ll trust the guy not doing favors for the GM.
Okongwu could be a big error as he picks his spots. Euros good with the ball have been doing well but Avdiga could slow them down.
Yeah, if they keep the pick I can’t see GS straying outside of the consensus top 3 at the one spot. Even if they don’t want to develop a player, they’d have a ready made package in Wiggins and whomever to trade for the guy they want.
I think it’s pretty close either way. GSW get Heuter and a couple seconds to move down 3 spots or Heuter and a future first to move down three spots. Plus end of the day GSW realistically only want to move down 3 spots max because it’ll want 1 of the top 4 (Toppin Edwards Wiseman or Ball). If it’s trading down below 4, then it’s going to be apart of getting back a bigger player
Wiseman has bust written all over him, I’m hoping GSW take him.
2 underrated picks are from Florida State
Patrick Williams
Vassell
Worst case.for Knicks is ….
So what?
That’s Why GSW trading down with the Hawks makes even more sense. They give up Anthony Edwards but after him you have the likes of James Wiseman, Obi Toppin, LaMelo Ball, Deni Avdija, Tyrese Haliburton and Cole Anthony to chose from.
Wiseman Toppin or Ball would be the preferred top 3 for GSW so by giving up the first they just get back more assets and still get the player they want.
Hawks: 1st overall pick
GSW: Kevin Hueter, 4th overall pick and either a future protected first or multiple seconds.
Kevin Hueter on GSW could really develop well. In his first two seasons he has hit 38% from deep or better, has shown an ability to play alright defence, be a good team player and pass the ball well.
I don’t think that’s enough for Atlanta in the scenario with the 2nds, tbh. The difference in talent in this draft from 1-4 isn’t significant. Yes the Hawks would get Edwards, but GS will bounce back quick. Those 2nds are going to be on the very tail of the draft. If GS sends a future 1st I could maybe see that. Would have to be a 1st, I think.
Fair trade
Hawks get Edwards
Warriors get Okongwu, Hueter and a future first
Edwards and Young in the same backcourt could be impressive for the Hawks
Fire away baby. Can you imagine that back court shooting percentage? Collins would never see the ball.
Warriors get top pick. Not a bad idea to trade down. Cause there are a few players that can help. And can also be part of future. Edwards is a great pick for Hawks. They should make an offer. Only live once. Truth is Warriors have options. I still believe they will trade Wiggins. And they will trade with that TE they have. They are guaranteed a top 5 pick. So we’ll see where they pick lottery night. If they have a top 2 pick. There will be teams who will want to trade in. A few teams would love to have Wiseman or Edwards. To me those are top 2 players. All who pass on Wiseman will regret it.
As a Knick fan. I feel we will be able to get a Toppin, Okongwu, Halliburton, Okoro, Deni, even Hayes. I’m good with all. I believe all will be solid players at the minimum. Considering Randle probably gets traded. Toppin ir Okongwu would fit nice. Next to Mitch. I feel good about this draft for Knicks. All Knick fans should. Also cause I believe Thibs will never draft Ball.
Unlike fans in this forum, NBA GM’s have no doubt that Lamelo has the highest star power in this draft! No surprise there! Easy to see that, Ball is gonna be a great player, also Wiseman. Edwards a bust.
I still remember how most here 2 years ago were sayin’ Luka was gonna be a historic bust, I always said he was gonna be great!
Love for you to explain to us. Why you think he is going to be great player. Highest star power. Please enlighten us. Try using your intellect. Your words. Instead of abusing the koolaid. The Warriors are on record. Look it up. They don’t consider him a top 10 talent. Which NBA GMs you know. Oh I can’t wait.
I think I’m the ONLY guy on here that said Luka would not be worthy of a top 5 pick. I figured he’d be a good player maybe a top-15 pick but don’t waste a top-five pick on him. Everyone else laughed at me and they were right.
It’s no secret Im not a Ball fan. I would rather have Lonzo. I represent my team. And what I think is best for them. I don’t need anyone telling me. Who is good or not. I actually do the research. And have basketball vision. The internet is for everyone.
Tonight is the lottery. We should all have a better idea. Who goes when. Considering top ten picks are different for scouts and fans.
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That’s the smartest point yet. Now go and get your Clippers jersey….