Assuming the Hornets keep the No. 3 pick in tonight’s NBA draft, team owner Michael Jordan has given the “stamp of approval” to select LaMelo Ball, league sources tell Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer. James Wiseman has long been considered to be atop Charlotte’s wish list, but if he and Anthony Edwards are the first two players off the board, Ball may be the top prospect available.
O’Connor suggests that “at this stage” it seems as if USC big man Onyeka Okongwu is no longer in serious consideration for the Hornets at No. 3. It’s worth noting that ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on his Hoop Collective podcast that there has been some medical-related chatter on Okongwu recently that could affect his stock, though Windhorst cautioned that may just be a smokescreen from a team with interest in him.
Here are several more rumors worth passing along, as we prepare for what should be an eventful 2020 NBA draft:
- Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report (Twitter link) is hearing that the Timberwolves continue to operate as if they don’t want to pick at No. 1. Sources tell Wasserman that Minnesota is even signaling it could make a pick for another team – such as Wiseman for the Hornets – and try to figure out a deal later.
- According to O’Connor, the Cavaliers are interested in potentially trading down a little and still selecting Dayton forward Obi Toppin, who has been linked to them frequently as a potential target at No. 5. O’Connor suggests the Pistons (No. 7) could be one potential trade partner for the Cavs if Detroit wants to move up to secure Florida State’s Patrick Williams.
- Sources tell both O’Connor and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic that the Wizards (No. 9) are high on Memphis power forward Precious Achiuwa. Krawczynski says the Suns (No. 10) are “fond of” Achiuwa as well.
- Conversations between the Hawks and Timberwolves about a swap that would send the No. 6 pick to Minnesota for No. 17 and Jarrett Culver have stalled, per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic. Atlanta would be open to the idea, but the Wolves have become hesitant about moving Culver unless it helps them land a star, according to Kirschner and Krawczynski. Kirschner adds that talks between the Hawks and teams looking to move up in the draft have “cooled down” as of late.
- While the Celtics have explored packaging their three first-round picks (Nos. 14, 26, and 30) to move into the mid-lottery, teams in that range have indicated they’d like to stay there, tweets Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
wolves do the deal with ATL please, i think culver having that 6th pick would be ideal
Yes! Do it MIN. They could land two of these names:
Wiseman
Ball
Edwards
Okoro
Toppin
Okongwu
Haliburton
All seven of those names has more potential than Culver IMO
i think having that 6th pick would be ideal*
I agree with you. I like culver and think he has a lot of potential, but he is not a fit for this team. I think he needs a different system to succeed. I want Haliburton or a trade with the magic for AG.
i like the magic idea for gordon, and i don’t think he would cost all that much
I like Gordon alot for this team. But if he isnt available for Culves + #17, then do the dam deal for #6 and take Toppin or Okoro or Okongwu. They fits just fine with MIN roster.
If true Bulls offered Carter and #4 to Warriors. I would take that for #1. Carter fits great with KAT gives you D. What you need most. Plus at #4 you can still pickup Toppin or Okongwu or Deni.
I think I’m a weak draft. A team in the middle of the lottery would be interested in Boston offer. No real special talent in this draft but the draft does have some solid depth
Omg, you mean there’s actually more than one photograph of LaMelo Ball? Who knew?
Mitch, take note: If MJ has given a prospect his seal of approval it means you should stay far, far away.
Haha Kwame Brown
Taking LaMelo Ball with the number one pick makes little to no sense. His older brother is a certified bust, and even though LaMelo seems to have developed nicely, it is largely because he played against better competition and so one must still be skeptical of his long-term upside. In other words, he may have accelerated his development but that doesn’t mean he’ll keep doing that on the years ahead. Additionally, he will always have the unfortunate baggage of his father, and he also another Ball with a jumpshot that looks suspect.
IDK, I think Ball could become an elite PG in the NBA. And some have mentioned how DLo would be better at the 2-guard. I think he was drafted as a combo guard by LAL. Anyway, Im ok with Wiseman, Ball, or Edwards for MIN at #1
Lamelo is the best shooter of the three Balls already. And he is still a teenager.
Ball is a one way player. And he has lost his shot. He is more hype than substance. He’s gown to 6’7” so could be still growing into his body. He’s too weak for contact now. But you look at Lonzo. Then you think he should be ok in few yrs. He has upside but it’s yrs away. And with his drama he may develop in the wrong way. Not a Ball fan. I’d be very careful with him. Pistons best place for him. They are in full rebuild. They can wait on him, be patient. And bring him up the right way.
I would not be surprised to see Ball go in the top 3, and contribute right away (not defensively of course) to any one of those teams. He will be a key ball handler/passer for whover takes him immediately
For a Ball comparison = Think Ricky Rubio, but a little taller and more explosive, without the defensive intelligence (still 19). He is a better shooter/scorer than Rubio at the same age.