The opinion of LaMelo Ball within NBA circles has reportedly changed following his recent performance in the NBL preseason.
Ball had 19 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists against the defending-chamipion Perth Wildcats.
"If he keeps this up, I don't see any way he isn't in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick," one NBA executive told ESPN. "He completely changed my perception of the type of prospect he is, and all of the background info I gathered here from his coaches and teammates paint a very different story of what I thought about him off the court as well."
"He reminds me of Luka Doncic," a scout said. "Just in terms of his size, his feel and his creativity."
Ball also displayed an ability to control the game.
"He plays with incredible pace. He's never sped up. He's never rattled by anything that's thrown at him," the same scout said. "You're expecting something magical to happen every time he has the ball. He sees everything. He can make every pass with either hand off a live dribble. His style of play is tailor-made for the NBA game, especially if you surround him with shooting and better finishers."
Former NBA player Jermaine Jackson has taken over most of the responsibilities involved in managing LaMelo as his trainer and mentor.
