LaMelo Ball or Ja Morant?

[KembaWalker]

theres no point in making a prediction comp thread on RealGM because 90% of the posters aren't capable of processing the idea of a "prediction" and start having a break down if you go against who the better player is it at the exact current moment in time

[clyde21]

Ja for sure

[benhillboy]

Can’t go wrong with either but I’m giving the slight edge to LaMelo. He has the length advantage and uses it beautifully on the glass, shutting off passing lanes, and passing around Bigs, things that can sustain him and his team better through a rough individual shooting night. They both have a similar quirky feel, floor movement, and body control that leads to downright spectacular plays. I’d never expect either to ever light it up from 3, LaMelo will certainly have peaks as high as his valleys are low.

But the real question is when am I ever gonna see Halliburton on national television? I ain’t paying for a single Kings game bro.

[Some smartguy]

theres no point in making a prediction comp thread on RealGM because 90% of the posters aren't capable of processing the idea of a "prediction" and start having a break down if you go against who the better player is it at the exact current moment in time

I agree usually, but since they're close to the same point in their respective careers, I'd say it's fair it this situation.

[Shock Defeat]

LaMelo cause Ja is a walking injury with how reckless he plays.

[magicman1978]

theres no point in making a prediction comp thread on RealGM because 90% of the posters aren't capable of processing the idea of a "prediction" and start having a break down if you go against who the better player is it at the exact current moment in time

I agree usually, but since they're close to the same point in their respective careers, I'd say it's fair it this situation.

A two year age difference and one year of experience is a pretty big difference at this stage though. This is evidenced by the massive leap some of the best Young players have taken in their second year. Will be interesting to see if Lamelo does the same.

[Some smartguy]

theres no point in making a prediction comp thread on RealGM because 90% of the posters aren't capable of processing the idea of a "prediction" and start having a break down if you go against who the better player is it at the exact current moment in time

I agree usually, but since they're close to the same point in their respective careers, I'd say it's fair it this situation.

A two year age difference and one year of experience is a pretty big difference at this stage though.

Well... Is it really? For potential, I'm taking LaMelo because of those reasons, but I'm taking Ja right now. It does make a little bit of a difference, but shouldn't be hugely important overall. I agree with your edit, I just don't think he'll be the same as the other top-tier young players for some reason. I don't know why, I just don't see him the same way.

[Dacost]

Memphis is getting screw by injury's and covid teams are doubling JA and he has not been able to figure it out.

The injury to Jaren Jacskson Jr (has not play this season)is huge every batman needs a robin.

[boogiezen]

Lamelo against Luka is not so crazy. Only that Luka is maybe the most consistent star in the League, with Lebron and maybe Giannis, while it is main Lamelo's flaw for the moment.
On the other hand, if Lamelo gets consistency, he has a lot of advantage over Ja, because of his size, so he may finish scoring and defending better than Ja. While I think he already has a better vision and passing.

Luka is consistent at shooting like garbage from 3 and cant play defense.

Clearly you don't know ****. I get his shooting but can't play defense? LMAO.

[boogiezen]

Taking a cheapshot at LaMelo? Miles ahead, you heard it here first.

I'm not, I actually thoroughly enjoy watching LaMelo play but we have to be realistic here about who is Luka Doncic and what kind of start to his career he has had.

Luka has been surrounded by knockdown shooters his whole career. He isn't taking over games like Cleveland Lebron. I'm getting sick of people putting disrespect on LaMelo's name. He is having one of the best rookie seasons of all time. Ja Morant is an out of control athletic freak. LaMelo Ball is a basketball savant!

Knockdown shooters? Outside of Seth Curry who they traded, who are they again? LMAO!!!

[Patsfan1081]

Ball hasn’t even played thirty games yet, all these comparisons are way too premature. This isn’t a knock on his talent either, but people are going off what is fresh in their minds when in fact rookies alomost always are streaky and tend to hit walls later on in the season.

[scrabbarista]

Memphis and Charlotte face each other tonight at 7pm cst BTW

really interested to see peoples takes in this thread. Ja has been struggling the past few games. Defenses blitz and double as soon as he gets the ball and the team has no one healthy to compliment him. Really need to get JJJ back in

The last time I watched MEM a few games back, he went five straight minutes without bringing the ball up the court, in spite of being the only PG on the floor for the team. I actually thought he might've been playing injured. His box score that game was pretty terrible, as it has been in most of of the games I've checked since then. Hope he stays healthy and gets to be himself, because he's one of a handful of my favorite players in the league right now.

[The_Hater]

Morant. Easily from this chair.

[Crizzle]

Memphis and Charlotte face each other tonight at 7pm cst BTW

really interested to see peoples takes in this thread. Ja has been struggling the past few games. Defenses blitz and double as soon as he gets the ball and the team has no one healthy to compliment him. Really need to get JJJ back in

The last time I watched MEM a few games back, he went five straight minutes without bringing the ball up the court, in spite of being the only PG on the floor for the team. I actually thought he might've been playing injured. His box score that game was pretty terrible, as it has been in most of of the games I've checked since then. Hope he stays healthy and gets to be himself, because he's one of a handful of my favorite players in the league right now.

He came back super quick from the ankle injury. I think everyone was surpised. Easily could have aggravated it. Injured or not he needs to play better. Hes gotta work on his shot because teams are figuring him out. And its especially hard without other consistent offense from the team. We have been crippled all year and need to get bodies back

[shotsquatch]

Right now, based on career production so far, it's Ja by a wide margin. LaMelo hasn't even played a full season yet.

In the long run, if LaMelo can reach his full potential I think he has the edge on Ja. That's not a knock on Morant, who I believe will be a multiple time All-Star. But LaMelo is a 6'8" point guard with once-in-a-generation passing ability and incredible feel for the game. If he puts it together on the defensive end, his ceiling is a supersized Jason Kidd.

[Dacost]

Saw this games last night and Ja couldn't guard Lamelo he was to big and strong.However JA got the win as he control the Tempo and his team especially with his assist.

For the hornets I though Rozier took to many shots and control away from ball he needs to be the guy going foward but it looks like the vets are not letting him.

[_qubik]

Well, its hard to choose, because I think Ball is for real, and he will be a great player on both ends of the court, his passing is amazing and he got a lot of tool and IQ. But for me Ja is the most promising guard not named Luka, someday he will be arrested, he is constantly trying to murder guys at the rim. Also he plays with veteran pose, he make nice reads and is a true competitor. Both will be among the top guards for the foreseeable future, but now I went with Ja Morant

[PhilBlackson]

If LaMelo can remain more consistent I like his upside more and I always worry how well very explosive athletes like Ja hold up physically and tend to be not quite that dynamic when they have an injury.

Most of what makes so intriguing is his court vision, passing instincts, shooting upside and height. Not to say Ja isn't great at those things too. But at his size if he didn't have the explosion he has now, not sure what level he'd be , not the concern with LaMelo. Also Ball's height makes him a better rebounder which helps get more extra possessions and more defensive versatility (if either guy were to commit to that side of the ball as well).

[Crizzle]

Both of these kids are obviously awesome and will be stars, so i wouldnt fault anyone for choosing either

[Lockdown504090]

Lamelo is a better size, more range, can guard multiple positions with experience. That sounds more like a championship pg than a 6'3 slashing playmaker in 2020. Ja is better than him, but lamelo gives you a better chance at a ring i think