LaMelo Ball

[510TWSS]

I'd rather invest in chicken stock rn than Lamelo stock.

but in seriousness, I don't see future star with him. Even if he does hit offensively, It doesn't seem likely that he'll have the chops or the willingness to dig in defensively but we'll see. Hope my team doesn't try that experiment.

[MemphisX]

I'd rather invest in chicken stock rn than Lamelo stock.

but in seriousness, I don't see future star with him. Even if he does hit offensively, It doesn't seem likely that he'll have the chops or the willingness to dig in defensively but we'll see. Hope my team doesn't try that experiment.

What does that even mean in regards to this draft? Who is the future star you are taking?

[510TWSS]

I'd rather invest in chicken stock rn than Lamelo stock.

but in seriousness, I don't see future star with him. Even if he does hit offensively, It doesn't seem likely that he'll have the chops or the willingness to dig in defensively but we'll see. Hope my team doesn't try that experiment.

What does that even mean in regards to this draft? Who is the future star you are taking?

yeah maybe I was lazy in that statement.

IMO, I see LaMelo as likely to be an all offensive, no defensive contributor at the NBA level. I want to take a prospect that I believe has a good chance to contribute on both sides.

Trade down preferably but if no willing partners go with Edwards, Hayes, Okonkwo, Okoro and Wiseman.

[kobyz]

How is Hedo Turkoglu as comparison for him?

[Dat2U]

Easily the best prospect in this draft. Unlike Lonzo, LaMelo can break defenders down and get all the way to the rim. Much more of playmaker and creator than Lonzo is. Will be threat to put up triple doubles regularly due to his rebounding & passing abilities.

[pcbothwel]

Easily the best prospect in this draft. Unlike Lonzo, LaMelo can break defenders down and get all the way to the rim. Much more of playmaker and creator than Lonzo is. Will be threat to put up triple doubles regularly due to his rebounding & passing abilities.

So a poor shooting, poor defending, stat padder with lack of self awareness... Sounds like Westbrook with worse defense. Not an easy player to build around.

[Little Digger]

LaMelo’s going #1..I think the Wolves should go after a future unprotected Knicks 1st rounder + the 8th pick this year..

[JHTruth]

I think you have to draft Melo with a plan in mind. You don't take Melo without being absolutely and without hesitation all in on what it means to have him as your PG. You need pieces, environment, blind faith, trust, and confidence in what you're putting together if you draft Melo. He's the biggest boom/bust in the class and must be catered to in order to maximize what he brings to the table.

That's lot to commit for a guy whose not a great scorer, not a great athlete, and not a great defender, and really only a great playmaker in theory. He's slick passer, but he's really not an engine for setting up others consistently like even Lonzo was at the same age. How many skinny, non-scoring, non-freak athletes are teams designing their entire future around?

Meh. His Assist to TO ratio is 2.7!!!! That's an insane level of playmaking. He is a much better shooter/scorer than his brother. He shoots FTs at 82%, his brother is still in the 60's. Plus he's is much more aggressive looking for his offense than his passive brother, which has really been a drag on Lonzo's career more than anything. Often too aggressive lol but I'd take a guy I have to reign in over a guy I have to push to be aggressive any day. He has shown flashes on D and his bro became a good defender.

LaMelo is the No. 1 pick. I don't think Minny will hesitate at all if they keep the pick..

[Sulla]

He shoots FTs at 82%

He shot 72%.

[Dat2U]

Easily the best prospect in this draft. Unlike Lonzo, LaMelo can break defenders down and get all the way to the rim. Much more of playmaker and creator than Lonzo is. Will be threat to put up triple doubles regularly due to his rebounding & passing abilities.

So a poor shooting, poor defending, stat padder with lack of self awareness... Sounds like Westbrook with worse defense. Not an easy player to build around.

He's 6-7/6-8 with long arms and good athleticism and a high IQ. Most PGs are initially bad defenders but his athletic traits/international experience means his transition to defending NBA players shouldn't be as steep as it is for many guards.

I wouldnt be writing him off a some terrible defender.

And equating someone the rebounds and passes extremely well to being a stat padder seems really negative. I'm not a fan of his father's antics or his brother's game... Was very mixed on Lonzo coming out but LaMelo is a different tier than Lonzo. Naturally more talented, more skilled, bigger and maybe even a little quicker.

[Dat2U]

I'd rather invest in chicken stock rn than Lamelo stock.

but in seriousness, I don't see future star with him. Even if he does hit offensively, It doesn't seem likely that he'll have the chops or the willingness to dig in defensively but we'll see. Hope my team doesn't try that experiment.

What does that even mean in regards to this draft? Who is the future star you are taking?

yeah maybe I was lazy in that statement.

IMO, I see LaMelo as likely to be an all offensive, no defensive contributor at the NBA level. I want to take a prospect that I believe has a good chance to contribute on both sides.

Trade down preferably but if no willing partners go with Edwards, Hayes, Okonkwo, Okoro and Wiseman.

Melo even if he tries just a little on D will be a solid defender. Yall all are underestimating the SIGNIFICANT benefits of being a long armed 6-8 PG.

[NO-KG-AI]

Melo won’t show up and get measured, because he’s not close to 6’8, but he’ll keep that listing. He’s a pretty mediocre athlete given how weak and scrawny he is. It’s honestly crazy to me that people think he’s 3.5 inches taller than Lonzo

He has good handles and passing, but he’s not a transcendent playmaker at all, and doesn’t have the scoring ability to make up for it... but he thinks he does.

He really is Lonzo without any of the good habits.


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[drosereturn]

Melo won’t show up and get measured, because he’s not close to 6’8, but he’ll keep that listing. He’s a pretty mediocre athlete given how weak and scrawny he is. It’s honestly crazy to me that people think he’s 3.5 inches taller than Lonzo

He has good handles and passing, but he’s not a transcendent playmaker at all, and doesn’t have the scoring ability to make up for it... but he thinks he does.

He really is Lonzo without any of the good habits.


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If he is legit 6-8, he should be the number 1 pick with Luka like guard skill abilities. He can play up to 4 positions if he bulks up.

[NO-KG-AI]

He doesn’t have anything like Luka’s skills.


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[kobyz]

Could he be a taller Jamal Murray with more passing?

[Jcool0]

Could he be a taller Jamal Murray with more passing?

Nope. He will never be able to score like Murray.

[BlazersBroncos]

Nope. He will never be able to score like Murray.

Yep. Murray is better at all 3 levels at scoring. Better 3PT shooter, MUCH better pull up mid ranged shooter, better finisher.

LaMelo is a taller White Chocolate.

[JohnnyKILLroy]

Nope. He will never be able to score like Murray.

Yep. Murray is better at all 3 levels at scoring. Better 3PT shooter, MUCH better pull up mid ranged shooter, better finisher.

LaMelo is a taller White Chocolate.

Messed up. What did White Chocolate ever do to you?

[BlazersBroncos]

Messed up. What did White Chocolate ever do to you?

I mean, they play very similar games. Especially when looking at early career Jason Williams.

Flashy passes, volume 3PT shooters despite bad percentages, poor defenders, poor mid range game, decent finishers, tons of TO's, worthless if the ball wasnt in his hand, etc.

Williams did a Lonzo type transition around the time he went to Miami and became a much better defender, much smarter with shot selection, etc. But in the early days he was all flash, ball dominant, low %'s and low impact on winning.

I think it will take 2-3 seasons before LaMelo gets his FG% into the 42% range or so.

[JHTruth]

Messed up. What did White Chocolate ever do to you?

I mean, they play very similar games. Especially when looking at early career Jason Williams.

Flashy passes, volume 3PT shooters despite bad percentages, poor defenders, poor mid range game, decent finishers, tons of TO's, worthless if the ball wasnt in his hand, etc.

Williams did a Lonzo type transition around the time he went to Miami and became a much better defender, much smarter with shot selection, etc. But in the early days he was all flash, ball dominant, low %'s and low impact on winning.

I think it will take 2-3 seasons before LaMelo gets his FG% into the 42% range or so.

Meh. LaMelo doesn't have "tons of turnovers". His has an elite elite Assist -to - TO ratio of 2.7. I think you have to put players always in context. LaMelo was THE reason anyone cared about the NBL. He basically had to put it up as he was the only good player on the team and was the main attraction.

How he will look when surrounded by NBA talent is anyone's guess. But 72% FT bodes moderately well for his shooting and he showed solid D flashed when locked-in.

He's a much much better prospect than White Chocolate ever was...