2020 NBA Draft Prospects: Thread II

[_AIJ_]

What would the minutes look like? Say Ball comes off the bench. Im very curious as i would like Ball to end up here


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[UnFadeable21]

Watch on YouTube

Lamelo Ball playing in the United States Drew League Playoffs

[UnFadeable21]

Just watched the whole clip, Lamelo has elite passing from pick and roll to full court passes with either hand. He has quick hands for getting steals too. Good size and should be able to help rebounding at the pro level.

If he is a bigger Rubio, who can actually finish at the rim, I'll take that all day. Ricky use to brick wide open lay ups and has never dunked one in his NBA career. Lamelo did avg 2.5 steals a game last year winning rookie of the year in the pro NBL league.

[shrink]

This Wolves front office likes to play chess. Edwards, a gifted scorer with All-Star potential who has also drawn concerning comparisons to Andrew Wiggins, is more of a checkers move.

I will probably change my mind 100 times between now and draft night in November. For now, my itchy trade fingers think Ball might be the move. — Jon Krawczynski

https://theathletic.com/2082696/2020/09/23/beat-writer-2020-nba-mock-draft-2-0-warriors-trade-pick-wolves-take-new-no-1/

Im fine drafting Ball but how would they play together with DLo? Will ball be the 6th man or beasley?


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Given that Ball just turned 19, I think it's fine to start him off as a backup and see where things progress if that's the choice. If and when he proves himself a starter, then we figure out what needs to happen.

I agree. I think you start Beasley, give him two months to run up his stats, to prove his month with the Wolves is no fluke, then if Ball has looked good, you trade Beasley for value when he is eligible. Both Ball and Russell pair better with Okogie or Culver defensively.

[Jedzz]

classic hype elevation in process. Hold onto your spinning heads for safety.

[Neeva]

I am torn between Edwards and Ball right now. Edwards just glides on the court and if he puts in full effort (like Okogie) all game he will be a superstar, on the other hand Ball just has the it factor and does things you can’t teach.

Maybe Rosas should trade down with Charlotte and draft whoever is left (Assuming Hornets go for Wiseman) and get some extra assets.

[Jedzz]

As I've posted about before, would we be drafting him #1 overall if he's basically Rubio on offense with less defensive effort and gameIQ, but just more height ? Because in Rubio's draft we passed on Curry to select that gimmicky albeit effective natural passing and court vision stuff. Does 6'7 height make it ok this time around? That clip also coming before this past college/international season, I wonder if there was some expectation that things like shooting/defense game knowledge etc might improve yet with the 2019–20 NBL season. Did it?

So why did Curry fall past so many teams? I honestly wonder if people had 'Steph Curry fatigue'? He had been so largely in the spotlight over the past two seasons. This was Dell Curry's son, a natural shooter with a high IQ. But yet because of the fatigue, people began to overanalyze and

Oh wow. You are really trying to spin this into your Ball's favor aint ya. Hah

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

It wasn't overload on Curry over two years of spanking to his story. Don't go selling that spin. Curry had to go to Davidson because college coaches and scouts weren't buying the genes theory. He mentions it in his story, he had one major college offer a fake walk on trial just so they didn't have to tell him and his dad outright no. He had to go prove it and he did. But dopes preloading the top of the draft said he was too small and just a shooter. "limited movement", insert size/measurements weaknesses/etc. Where have I heard this before. Oh right, same about the 6-8 other great college PGs in this draft. A few that might have turned into good NBA players might never see an opportunity to even get in. Because they aren't the specific atheltic and lucky person to get hyped.

Ball is the complete opposite. Gettting drafted high for height at the PG position for projection sake and as a good Passer, oh and because of his family. Can't believe you tried that. Not surpised, just a little in disbelief.

[Domejandro]

As I've posted about before, would we be drafting him #1 overall if he's basically Rubio on offense with less defensive effort and gameIQ, but just more height ? Because in Rubio's draft we passed on Curry to select that gimmicky albeit effective natural passing and court vision stuff. Does 6'7 height make it ok this time around? That clip also coming before this past college/international season, I wonder if there was some expectation that things like shooting/defense game knowledge etc might improve yet with the 2019–20 NBL season. Did it?

So why did Curry fall past so many teams? I honestly wonder if people had 'Steph Curry fatigue'? He had been so largely in the spotlight over the past two seasons. This was Dell Curry's son, a natural shooter with a high IQ. But yet because of the fatigue, people began to overanalyze and
/quote]

Oh wow. You are really trying to spin this into your Ball's favor aint ya. Hah

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

It wasn't overload on Curry over two years of spanking to his story. Don't go selling that spin. Curry had to go to Davidson because college coaches and scouts weren't buying the genes theory. He mentions it in his story, he had one major college offer a fake walk on trial just so they didn't have to tell him and his dad outright no. He had to go prove it and he did. But dopes preloading the top of the draft said he was too small and just a shooter. "limited movement", insert size/measurements weaknesses/etc. Where have I heard this before. Oh right, same about the 6-8 other great college PGs in this draft. A few that might have turned into good NBA players might never see an opportunity to even get in. Because they aren't the specific atheltic and lucky person to get hyped.

Ball is the complete opposite. Gettting drafted high for height at the PG position for projection sake and as a good Passer, oh and because of his family. Can't believe you tried that. Not surpised, just a little in disbelief.

Keeping it real, if this is your analysis of LaMelo Ball, you almost certainly have not watched him. The dude is phenomenally talented, I am pretty convinced that the only reason people **** on him is because of his association to his father.

[Mattya]

Just watched the whole clip, Lamelo has elite passing from pick and roll to full court passes with either hand. He has quick hands for getting steals too. Good size and should be able to help rebounding at the pro level.

If he is a bigger Rubio, who can actually finish at the rim, I'll take that all day. Ricky use to brick wide open lay ups and has never dunked one in his NBA career. Lamelo did avg 2.5 steals a game last year winning rookie of the year in the pro NBL league.

They are similar in a lot of ways, but also have some distinct differences.

-Rubio was so hesitant to shoot that defenses wouldn’t even rotate to him. Ball is on the opposite side of the spectrum. If you feel you can develop him and his shot he is probably the most impactful offensive player in the draft.

-About the only thing Rubio does better offensively is draw fouls, but Ball has a floater that I wished Rubio would always develop.

-Rubio was definitely more committed and locked in as a defender, but Ball has good instincts for steals.

[Battletrigger]

So why did Curry fall past so many teams? I honestly wonder if people had 'Steph Curry fatigue'? He had been so largely in the spotlight over the past two seasons. This was Dell Curry's son, a natural shooter with a high IQ. But yet because of the fatigue, people began to overanalyze and
/quote]

Oh wow. You are really trying to spin this into your Ball's favor aint ya. Hah

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

It wasn't overload on Curry over two years of spanking to his story. Don't go selling that spin. Curry had to go to Davidson because college coaches and scouts weren't buying the genes theory. He mentions it in his story, he had one major college offer a fake walk on trial just so they didn't have to tell him and his dad outright no. He had to go prove it and he did. But dopes preloading the top of the draft said he was too small and just a shooter. "limited movement", insert size/measurements weaknesses/etc. Where have I heard this before. Oh right, same about the 6-8 other great college PGs in this draft. A few that might have turned into good NBA players might never see an opportunity to even get in. Because they aren't the specific atheltic and lucky person to get hyped.

Ball is the complete opposite. Gettting drafted high for height at the PG position for projection sake and as a good Passer, oh and because of his family. Can't believe you tried that. Not surpised, just a little in disbelief.

Keeping it real, if this is your analysis of LaMelo Ball, you almost certainly have not watched him. The dude is phenomenally talented, I am pretty convinced that the only reason people **** on him is because of his association to his father.

What about his defense and bad shot%?

[urinesane]

Why would you take Ball or Edwards right now with the thought of trading them this or next season?

What if they aren't good? Or at least not right away, what is their trade value then (I'm pretty sure it would be less than it is before they are drafted).

I think they should trade out, but if they stay I think Wiseman is by far the safest bet. His floor is a solid center that can protect the rim, rebound his ass off, and get easy dunks.

The other two guys have A LOT to improve to contribute to an NBA team, let alone one with playoff asperations in the west. Wiseman can make an impact right away and if he develops could be a nightmare for other teams to deal with.

Also, Ball has a frickin' push shot. Are we really ignoring that because he can dunk? He won't get any dunks outside of fast breaks if he can't shoot, because the league will just double D-Lo or KAT and dare Ball to beat them with jumpers (which he won't).

[KGdaBom]

So why did Curry fall past so many teams? I honestly wonder if people had 'Steph Curry fatigue'? He had been so largely in the spotlight over the past two seasons. This was Dell Curry's son, a natural shooter with a high IQ. But yet because of the fatigue, people began to overanalyze and
/quote]

Oh wow. You are really trying to spin this into your Ball's favor aint ya. Hah

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

It wasn't overload on Curry over two years of spanking to his story. Don't go selling that spin. Curry had to go to Davidson because college coaches and scouts weren't buying the genes theory. He mentions it in his story, he had one major college offer a fake walk on trial just so they didn't have to tell him and his dad outright no. He had to go prove it and he did. But dopes preloading the top of the draft said he was too small and just a shooter. "limited movement", insert size/measurements weaknesses/etc. Where have I heard this before. Oh right, same about the 6-8 other great college PGs in this draft. A few that might have turned into good NBA players might never see an opportunity to even get in. Because they aren't the specific atheltic and lucky person to get hyped.

Ball is the complete opposite. Gettting drafted high for height at the PG position for projection sake and as a good Passer, oh and because of his family. Can't believe you tried that. Not surpised, just a little in disbelief.

Keeping it real, if this is your analysis of LaMelo Ball, you almost certainly have not watched him. The dude is phenomenally talented, I am pretty convinced that the only reason people **** on him is because of his association to his father.

I've watched him. He does two things well. Ball handle and rebounds well for the PG position. He does nothing else well and some things horribly. I wouldn't take him before pick 10 at the very best.

[Domejandro]

So why did Curry fall past so many teams? I honestly wonder if people had 'Steph Curry fatigue'? He had been so largely in the spotlight over the past two seasons. This was Dell Curry's son, a natural shooter with a high IQ. But yet because of the fatigue, people began to overanalyze and
/quote]

Oh wow. You are really trying to spin this into your Ball's favor aint ya. Hah

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

It wasn't overload on Curry over two years of spanking to his story. Don't go selling that spin. Curry had to go to Davidson because college coaches and scouts weren't buying the genes theory. He mentions it in his story, he had one major college offer a fake walk on trial just so they didn't have to tell him and his dad outright no. He had to go prove it and he did. But dopes preloading the top of the draft said he was too small and just a shooter. "limited movement", insert size/measurements weaknesses/etc. Where have I heard this before. Oh right, same about the 6-8 other great college PGs in this draft. A few that might have turned into good NBA players might never see an opportunity to even get in. Because they aren't the specific atheltic and lucky person to get hyped.

Ball is the complete opposite. Gettting drafted high for height at the PG position for projection sake and as a good Passer, oh and because of his family. Can't believe you tried that. Not surpised, just a little in disbelief.

Keeping it real, if this is your analysis of LaMelo Ball, you almost certainly have not watched him. The dude is phenomenally talented, I am pretty convinced that the only reason people **** on him is because of his association to his father.

I've watched him. He does two things well. Ball handle and rebounds well for the PG position. He does nothing else well and some things horribly. I wouldn't take him before pick 10 at the very best.

Brilliant passer, creative finisher, pretty floater, and shows flashes at getting into passing lanes. I don't know why acknowledging all of his strengths is so difficult, he is an intriguing prospect, especially with his skillsets and height.

[KGdaBom]

Keeping it real, if this is your analysis of LaMelo Ball, you almost certainly have not watched him. The dude is phenomenally talented, I am pretty convinced that the only reason people **** on him is because of his association to his father.

I've watched him. He does two things well. Ball handle and rebounds well for the PG position. He does nothing else well and some things horribly. I wouldn't take him before pick 10 at the very best.

Brilliant passer, creative finisher (needs to get stronger to finish through contact), and shows flashes at getting into passing lanes. I don't know why acknowledging all of his strengths is so difficult, he is an intriguing prospect, especially with his skillsets and height.

Passer is part of ball handling. Not a good finisher whether creative or not, and his getting in passing lanes isn't anything special.
I see you added pretty floater, but with all his pretty floater and creative finisher stuff he still shot under 40% in the NBL.
He intrigues me just enough to consider him with pick 17 and we're all pretty convinced he won't last that long.

[Slim Tubby]

As urinesane mentioned, I just can’t get past that damn push shot shooting form. I like Ball more than Edwards but I still believe Wiseman is the right choice for a lot of reasons previously stated.

What I’m really excited about is with in-person workouts coming up, I can’t wait to see which teams get incredibly enamored with a guy in the Top 3 and offers the Wolves a total overpay. The trade rumors between now and November should be delicious.


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[Jedzz]

So why did Curry fall past so many teams? I honestly wonder if people had 'Steph Curry fatigue'? He had been so largely in the spotlight over the past two seasons. This was Dell Curry's son, a natural shooter with a high IQ. But yet because of the fatigue, people began to overanalyze and

Oh wow. You are really trying to spin this into your Ball's favor aint ya. Hah

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

It wasn't overload on Curry over two years of spanking to his story. Don't go selling that spin. Curry had to go to Davidson because college coaches and scouts weren't buying the genes theory. He mentions it in his story, he had one major college offer a fake walk on trial just so they didn't have to tell him and his dad outright no. He had to go prove it and he did. But dopes preloading the top of the draft said he was too small and just a shooter. "limited movement", insert size/measurements weaknesses/etc. Where have I heard this before. Oh right, same about the 6-8 other great college PGs in this draft. A few that might have turned into good NBA players might never see an opportunity to even get in. Because they aren't the specific atheltic and lucky person to get hyped.

Ball is the complete opposite. Gettting drafted high for height at the PG position for projection sake and as a good Passer, oh and because of his family. Can't believe you tried that. Not surpised, just a little in disbelief.

Keeping it real, if this is your analysis of LaMelo Ball, you almost certainly have not watched him. The dude is phenomenally talented, I am pretty convinced that the only reason people **** on him is because of his association to his father.

He is what he's done to me. I'm just trying to weed through all the fake projections that aren't really rooted in anything real yet. I would love to focus on what they are good at and draft that at the appropriate spot. But people aren't exactlly doing that. THey seem to be more selling themselves on being happy with the couple names pojected at the top.

People wouldn't max Ricky Rubio right now and he's improved his shooting greatly. So if Ball becomes a Rubio, even at his shooting level now, what do you have? Is that the same as many of your guesses for his ceiling? It's asking alot just to claim he could be Rubio's level. Oh I know, the height thing makes all the difference.

[Baseline81]

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

I find it interesting that you are using Curry as an example. Yes, he wasn't as "hyped" as much as Griffin or Rubio (the top-Euro prospect), however, he did put together quite the resume. Putting Davidson on his back and carrying it to the Elite Eight is quite the accomplishment. Can you name anyone in this draft that has done so? And that's my issue. You continue to bring up the likes of Bey, Nesmith and the likes. Though good shooters, they were not the one-man show Curry was.

And then when you bash the athletic types who can't shoot, look no further than the same draft with DeRozan. In his lone season at USC, his shooting percentages were not good (.167 3P% and .646 FT%). Yet, he was drafted because of his physical traits. Do you think Toronto regrets taking him? Further down, Wayne Ellington is likely someone you would have been banging the table for. He shot over .400 from beyond the arc during his sophomore and junior years at UNC. But look at how his NBA career transpired.

[UnFadeable21]

The new Athletic mock draft by Team Beatwriters

No. 1 — Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball, PG, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)

In our first version of the beat writer mock, I chose Georgia guard Anthony Edwards. I still believe he is a real possibility for the Wolves, and likely a better overall fit with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns than is Ball.

For this version, I wanted to explore the option of selecting Ball, who most believe is the best passer/playmaker in this draft. I’m concerned about his shot selection, his shooting percentage from deep and some redundancy with Russell, another player who thrives with the ball in his hands.

But I make this selection with the idea that a trade could be coming, on draft night or later. Wolves President Gersson Rosas and Executive VP Sachin Gupta both made it clear they will explore all options with this No. 1 pick. If they do want to try to trade it to get a more established player, there is some belief in league circles that Ball would have more value on the market than Edwards or James Wiseman or any other option.

I tried to talk to Chris Kirschner and the Hawks at No. 4 and Mike Vorkunov and the Knicks, who I believe are high on Ball, at No. 8, but couldn’t find a dance partner. That doesn’t mean something can’t happen down the road.

Even if the Wolves don’t find a trade partner on draft night, Ball could be a big piece of a package that is put together during the season or next summer to land another star. And if Ball comes in and lights it up, shows increased defensive awareness and meshes with Russell rather than stepping on his toes, well, then the Wolves have the option of just rolling with him.

This Wolves front office likes to play chess. Edwards, a gifted scorer with All-Star potential who has also drawn concerning comparisons to Andrew Wiggins, is more of a checkers move.

I will probably change my mind 100 times between now and draft night in November. For now, my itchy trade fingers think Ball might be the move. — Jon Krawczynski

[KGdaBom]

Curry didn't "fall", he wasn't hyped "upwards" as the others were. People overlooked him as a shooter and game IQ stud and instead went into hype fever over athleticism and in the Wolves case, the tricky passing of one Ricky Rubio. The Wolves were the first team to take a PG, two PGs. Then came GSW pick. But they just chose correctly. Leading up to the draft everyone latched onto and hyped the visible althletes.

I find it interesting that you are using Curry as an example. Yes, he wasn't as "hyped" as much as Griffin or Rubio (the top-Euro prospect), however, he did put together quite the resume. Putting Davidson on his back and carrying it to the Elite Eight is quite the accomplishment. Can you name anyone in this draft that has done so? And that's my issue. You continue to bring up the likes of Bey, Nesmith and the likes. Though good shooters, they were not the one-man show Curry was.

And then when you bash the athletic types who can't shoot, look no further than the same draft with DeRozan. In his lone season at USC, his shooting percentages were not good (.167 3P% and .646 FT%). Yet, he was drafted because of his physical traits. Do you think Toronto regrets taking him? Further down, Wayne Ellington is likely someone you would have been banging the table for. He shot over .400 from beyond the arc during his sophomore and junior years at UNC. But look at how his NBA career transpired.

Fair point that not every good shooting college player turns out well in the league, but I would say they do better on average than the poor shooting college players.

[theGreatRC]

Just watched the whole clip, Lamelo has elite passing from pick and roll to full court passes with either hand. He has quick hands for getting steals too. Good size and should be able to help rebounding at the pro level.

If he is a bigger Rubio, who can actually finish at the rim, I'll take that all day. Ricky use to brick wide open lay ups and has never dunked one in his NBA career. Lamelo did avg 2.5 steals a game last year winning rookie of the year in the pro NBL league.

Ricky was a high level defender from his rookie year, I can't see Lamelo being like that. They both do have elite vision with broken jumpers and are active rebounds, but that's about it