“Sliding in This Draft Again”: NBA Analyst Raises Doubts Over LaMelo Ball Going No.1 in NBA Drafts

LaMelo Ball has been one of the top prospects of the 2020 NBA Draft. As November 18 inches closer, the top tier players are working on making a lasting impression on teams that are drafting in the top 10. However, rumors are afloat that Ball might be tanking his interviews.

Many teams believe that Ball has the potential to make an impact as soon as he sets foot in the NBA. The NBL player ,who was declared MVP and averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game, might slide down from the No. 1 overall pick. There is speculation that this is intentional so that Ball doesn’t end up with a team like Golden State Warriors.

Other teams who don’t have top picks have done their research on the young star, all the while hoping he might slide down in the Draft.

The uncertainty around LaMelo Ball

On ‘The Jump’, Rachel Nichols, Brian Windhorst, and Jorge Sedano discuss ESPN’s Kevin Pelton ranking Ball in tier one and players like Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman in Tier 2 and 3, respectively.

Brian Windhorst clarified that he is no Kevin Pelton or Jonathan Givony, who think Ball is the most talented player in the draft. He stated, “I can just tell you that the executive that I talk to, many of them do not agree,” stated Brian.

“Many of them see LaMelo Ball potentially sliding in this draft again. The number two and number three teams, Golden State Warriors and Charlotte [Pelicans] are looking for big men right now.”

Brian reiterated that the executives think he will slide and that the number six team, Atlanta Hawks, might even move their pick. “So, I can’t tell you what’s going to happen. We may see LaMelo Ball holding that Timberwolves hat and everything’s a-okay, but I’m telling you my listening to that is not solid right now,” asserted Windhorst.

Does he lack in physicality compared to others?

Jorge Sedano talked about reports of Ball not doing well in interviews and how that is problematic. However, he weighed in on how impressed he was after watching Edwards working out. He even categorized Anthony and Wiseman’s bodies as “NBA ready.”

However, Jorge has his doubts about Ball. “But with LaMelo, even though he is built better or bigger, I guess at this age than Lonzo was. I still think there’s something to be said about the physicality, right?

“He has played in the league that’s more physical. But not in a league that has the athleticism that the top tier college game would have.”

Ball’s landing spot is making the 2020 Draft more intriguing. Where do you think his talents will fit best?