2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Saberestar]

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Bane is #19 in the latest Ringer's mock. He is growing on me as an option at #10.

[Ghost of Kleine]

There's also mention of Dallas at 18 looking to trade out. Could this be a strong consideration for us in a trade back scenario for our interests in Bane?

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/10/14/2020-nba-draft-rumors-roundup-minnesota-still-looking-to-trade-out-of-no-1/

Speaking of trading out, even the Dallas Mavericks at No. 18 are looking to do it for a rotation player, reports Jeremy Woo at Sports Illustrated. “It’s unclear whether the Mavs will actually make this selection for themselves, as this pick has been made available in trades in hopes of landing immediate rotation help, per sources.” The reality: If the top teams are having trouble moving their picks, how would Dallas do it at No. 18?

[RunDogGun]

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/10/14/2020-nba-draft-rumors-roundup-minnesota-still-looking-to-trade-out-of-no-1/

2020 NBA Draft rumors roundup: Minnesota still looking to trade out of No. 1

By Kurt HelinOct 14, 2020, 3:10 PM EDT

The NBA Finals are in the rearview mirror — even if the Lakers are still celebrating, as they should be — and next up on the calendar is the 2020 NBA Draft, set for Nov. 18.Rumors and spin are the oil that lubricates the NBA draft engine. What has changed is those rumors have gone from being in smoke-filled back rooms to social media. There are too many rumors, too much spin to keep up with around today’s NBA.

Here is a round-up of legitimate NBA draft rumors and some of the buzz flying around the league. Take it all with a grain of salt, but here is the latest spin from around the league.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves would love to trade out of the No. 1 pick for a player who can help them win now. Team president Gersson Rosas told NBC Sports’ Tom Haberstroh he was open to it on a recent Tom Haberstroh podcast, and the buzz around the league has continued to be they want to make a move. Kevin O’Conner wrote this at The Ringer in his mock draft:  “Executives around the NBA say the Timberwolves prefer to trade down or out of this pick to bring in a win-now player to help Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.”

Its a bit of a bummer for them. This isn't a great draft, and they have so much money tied up in two players. Even though I wouldn't want to trade him, Oubre could be the third player that could fit. Their defense wouldn't be the best, but they would be able to score a lot of points. And if we added a future pick, if Oubre doesn't work out, they can cut their losses next year, or move him at trade deadline, and regroup next year with two picks.

[RunDogGun]

There's also mention of Dallas at 18 looking to trade out. Could this be a strong consideration for us in a trade back scenario for our interests in Bane?

https://nba.nbcsports.com/2020/10/14/2020-nba-draft-rumors-roundup-minnesota-still-looking-to-trade-out-of-no-1/

Speaking of trading out, even the Dallas Mavericks at No. 18 are looking to do it for a rotation player, reports Jeremy Woo at Sports Illustrated. “It’s unclear whether the Mavs will actually make this selection for themselves, as this pick has been made available in trades in hopes of landing immediate rotation help, per sources.” The reality: If the top teams are having trouble moving their picks, how would Dallas do it at No. 18?

I am not sure how that would work for us though. We need our rotational players, and we don't have any that I would give up for the 18th spot. Maybe Kamensky?

[WeekapaugGroove]

He's not a scorer. At least in an efficient way. This guy, in a lower level international league, shot uder 39% from the field and under 28% from 3. He also averaged 6.77 apg to 2.54 TO, which isn't bad, but for a league of this caliber and based on his reputation is bad. He is poor defensively as well.

I honestly don't understand the hype. Lonzo was way more hyped, and for good reason, for what he did at UCLA. It almost feels like LaMelo is more hyped right now, but Lonzo was in what, at the time, was considered a great draft, and at the top of it. and for good reason.

Lonzo shot over 55% from the field, over 41% from 3, and a 7.6 to 2.5 ast/to ratio, over 3-1, along with elite defense. This is likely against tougher competition too....aside from the PAC 12, they played Kentucky and other top teams.

What is your big appeal with him compared with guys who were elite NCAA college players? Just prayer that he has upside in all levels of scoring and becomes solid defensively with his size?

I think if his name were LaMelo Ntilikina or something he would be projected as a 2nd rounder.

Of course in Kevin O'Connor's mock, he projects them to go to the Hornets...par for the course for them based on my expectations. I do think there is a chance he becomes a good player, but he's got a LONG ways to go.

It's about his feel for the game at his size, plus he's a little better athlete than his brother. But it's a huge bet that his shooting gets better and also that he can take the tools he has to be a good defender and actually be one because right now he's pretty damn terrible at both things.

He's fortunate that he's in this draft because he gets the benefit of having upside in a class that doesn't really have any super star types. A normal draft he's a late lotto guy (you could say that about 15 guys in the draft IMO)

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We've gone the athlete root before and his hasn't worked out so well. He's not nearly the prospect Josh Jackson was, for example. Feel for the game and a guy who has not become a good shooter or defender in the last is not feel for the game I am interested in. Sure, his court vision might be good, but a lot of guys that became nobody's can say that. He's a worse shooter than Rubio and likely never will reach his level in defense, shooting or court vision.

A bigger Rubio is actually a pretty good comp for Ball. Prospect Rubio would go 1.1 in this draft, people LOVED him as a prospect.

I'm certainly not advocating the suns should try to get Ball just giving my opinion on why he thought of as a top 5 guy.

The guy up there I'm most confused about is Edwards, other than looking the part physically I just don't know what else there is to like about him.

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[King4Day]

Also, I think GSW best move would be a sign and trade with OKC for Gallo, using their pick and the Iggy exception.

I never thought of this. OKC would love to make a move like that.
Trade exception let's them deal for a bad/expiring contract and get even more assets.

[bwgood77]

It's about his feel for the game at his size, plus he's a little better athlete than his brother. But it's a huge bet that his shooting gets better and also that he can take the tools he has to be a good defender and actually be one because right now he's pretty damn terrible at both things.

He's fortunate that he's in this draft because he gets the benefit of having upside in a class that doesn't really have any super star types. A normal draft he's a late lotto guy (you could say that about 15 guys in the draft IMO)

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We've gone the athlete root before and his hasn't worked out so well. He's not nearly the prospect Josh Jackson was, for example. Feel for the game and a guy who has not become a good shooter or defender in the last is not feel for the game I am interested in. Sure, his court vision might be good, but a lot of guys that became nobody's can say that. He's a worse shooter than Rubio and likely never will reach his level in defense, shooting or court vision.

A bigger Rubio is actually a pretty good comp for Ball. Prospect Rubio would go 1.1 in this draft, people LOVED him as a prospect.

I'm certainly not advocating the suns should try to get Ball just giving my opinion on why he thought of as a top 5 guy.

The guy up there I'm most confused about is Edwards, other than looking the part physically I just don't know what else there is to like about him.

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As a prospect Rubio was much more highly thought of though. I think he was younger (though not sure) but had excelled in the olympics I believe, and was also playing in the Euroleague at a very young age.

I seriously don't think anyone would notice him at all if his name wasn't Ball.

[Ghost of Kleine]

GofK, I keep seeing you mention Bane. From all the mock drafts, I see him way down the list. I have seen him even as a late second rounder. Have there been reports we want him? Did we ask him for an interview?

As for GSW, I was just spit balling an example of a team that would need cap relief, where we could keep our draft pick as well as grabbing another pick. For me, two higher draft picks would be nice with the group we have, where we grab a point and pf. Getting a playmaker at one spot and a rebounder/rim protector at the 4.

Also, I think GSW best move would be a sign and trade with OKC for Gallo, using their pick and the Iggy exception.

There have actually been a fair amount of reports on mutual interest in Bane man.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2020/10/01/nba-draft-phoenix-suns-appear-interested-tcu-guard-desmond-bane/5876447002/

Desmond Bane’s talk with Phoenix Suns General Manager James Jones was anything but short.

“I had a long conversation with James Jones,” Bane said. “He’s one of those guys that was really high IQ. Knew his role on the team. He could shoot the ball. Brings a lot of similar qualities I bring to a team.”                            

Based on that alone, the Suns appear high on the TCU shooting guard going into the Nov. 18 NBA Draft.

If that’s not enough, Bane said his agent, Seth Cohen of SAC Sports Agency, told him Phoenix is one of the five NBA teams that have shown the most interest with Milwaukee and Philadelphia being two others.

“I love the idea of Phoenix,” said Bane, who noted he’s interviewed with 26 NBA teams.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.brightsideofthesun.com/platform/amp/2020/10/2/21499093/nba-draft-tcu-desmond-banes-interest-phoenix-suns-james-jones

https://www.google.com/amp/s/arizonasports.com/story/2411320/nba-draft-combine-tcu-g-desmond-bane-cites-interest-from-suns/amp/%3fshow=comments

It's been rumored that they'd prefer to trade back in order to possibly secure additional assets, But may be willing to even take Bane at 10, IF they think he'll otherwise be gone later.

an example of a team that would need cap relief, where we could keep our draft pick as well as grabbing another pick.

I'd love that idea man, Only I don't know which teams other than maybe Brooklyn/ Houston/ Boston/ Philly ( Definitely) That will be looking to trade their picks in a cap saving strategy, By having the receiving team take back salary in return for their pick. But I'm not sure that there are any significant lottery teams that would give up their pick for needed cap space.

Our best case scenario to add a 2nd high pick whilst MAYBE keeping our 10 might be with Cleveland through taking back Loves' Bloated contract, Whilst sending them Oubre, And maybe a future protected first in return. I'd have to imagine that would be the best possible offer that they'd see for Love ( considering the enormity/ length of his contract. And If done correctly, It might be worth it. Otherwise, IF we're not looking to take back a big contract necessarily, Then our other best most realistic options would be:

1- Boston:
The 10 for Poirier/ 14/26.

14- Bane.
26- Tyler Bey or Paul Reed or Daniel Oturu?

2- Dallas:
10/ Kaminsky for Delon Wright/ 18/31.

18- Bane.
31- Tyler Bey or Paul Reed?

3- Brooklyn:
10 for Dinwiddie/ 19/ 55th picks.

19- Bane.
55- Naji Marshall or Kenyon Martin Jr or Nik Richards?

4- Philadelphia:
10 for Josh Richardson/ Ryan Broekhoff/ Glenn Robinson/ 21/34 ( Saves them around 12- 13 million). And Broekhoff is a dead eye knockdown shooter ( bargain version of Kennard), Glenn Robinson would be a very solid defensive 2/3 option and Richardson would be a really good veteran defensive 2 guard / secondary playmaker.

21- Bane.
34- Tyler Bey or Paul Reed or Daniel Oturu?

5- Minnesota:
Kaminsky/ 10 for Layman/ 16/ 33.
16- Draft Bane.
33- Tyler Bey or Paul Reed or Daniel Oturu?

[WeekapaugGroove]

Also, I think GSW best move would be a sign and trade with OKC for Gallo, using their pick and the Iggy exception.

I never thought of this. OKC would love to make a move like that.
Trade exception let's them deal for a bad/expiring contract and get even more assets.

You probably didn't think of it because it's not possible with the CBA.

We really need to put a sticky up across realgm reminding people that the draft happens before FA starts so sign and trades with current years picks is not possible. It's a damn epidemic on all these boards.

Also sign and trades are fairly restricted and I don't believe you can use a trade exemption in one.

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[Kerrsed]

For the poll, if we had the #2 pick, I would have to go with Ball. He's likely be the player we need off the bench to score.
Just don't know how much development he needs. He has at least been playing with some pros over the last couple of years so his mindset should be able to handle it.

He's not a scorer. At least in an efficient way. This guy, in a lower level international league, shot uder 39% from the field and under 28% from 3. He also averaged 6.77 apg to 2.54 TO, which isn't bad, but for a league of this caliber and based on his reputation is bad. He is poor defensively as well.

I honestly don't understand the hype. Lonzo was way more hyped, and for good reason, for what he did at UCLA. It almost feels like LaMelo is more hyped right now, but Lonzo was in what, at the time, was considered a great draft, and at the top of it. and for good reason.

Lonzo shot over 55% from the field, over 41% from 3, and a 7.6 to 2.5 ast/to ratio, over 3-1, along with elite defense. This is likely against tougher competition too....aside from the PAC 12, they played Kentucky and other top teams.

What is your big appeal with him compared with guys who were elite NCAA college players? Just prayer that he has upside in all levels of scoring and becomes solid defensively with his size?

I think if his name were LaMelo Ntilikina or something he would be projected as a 2nd rounder.

Of course in Kevin O'Connor's mock, he projects them to go to the Hornets...par for the course for them based on my expectations. I do think there is a chance he becomes a good player, but he's got a LONG ways to go.

To be fair, Ball went straight outta high school to lead a team in an entirely different country. He was playing on the leagues worst team (Horrible teammates) and was playing against grown men (Including former NBA players). As another top PG recruit (Hampton) has said, its hard to be put into that position, to lead grown men who already have an issue with you coming in and knowing that you will be gone in a year. Despite averaging 7 assists a game, no one on his team besides Aaron Brooks and Melo himself averaged over 10 PPG. 17/7/7 with a steal or 2 per game on a bad team with defenses double teaming him every chance they get. With better teammates he will shot less (Less bad shots and not forcing shots to try to keep his team in the game). The shooting can improve and would most likely improve with NBA caliber trainers helping.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-draft-why-lamelo-ball-is-worth-all-the-hype-and-should-be-considered-the-no-1-overall-prospect/

[Kerrsed]

Honestly it wouldnt surprise me at this point if we just stay at #10 and draft Banes with the pick. Its a total Cam Johnson move.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I'm not sure there's any evidence that Ball will shoot less, he's been a wild ass gunner since he's played organized basketball.

Should also be noted his situation in Australia was of his own making, he chose to go to a team that wanted the publicity and would let him play how he wanted.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

https://www.ralphiereport.com/2020/10/14/21516115/nba-draft-analysis-is-the-biggest-scam-in-sports-media

Thoughts???

[WeekapaugGroove]

https://www.ralphiereport.com/2020/10/14/21516115/nba-draft-analysis-is-the-biggest-scam-in-sports-media

Thoughts???

Definitely some truth to that. I find some of the know it all smugness of draft twitter to be annoying. Like the guys who get paid big bucks to make these picks get **** wrong yet some of the randos on twitter think have all the answers and will point at like one take they got right and ignore the **** they got wrong.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) Tweeted:
Get ready for THREE HOURS of @NBADraft talk at 6PM Eastern on @SiriusXMNBA. @DarthAmin, @Chris_Spatola & I will begin to break it all down the next 5 weeks. Who’s No.1 right now?

Read on Twitter

?s=20

[Kerrsed]

https://www.ralphiereport.com/2020/10/14/21516115/nba-draft-analysis-is-the-biggest-scam-in-sports-media

Thoughts???

1st part of the article was garbage. Talking about how all Pre-Draft Analysis is bulls**t, thats BS. There are some great people out there that get paid good money to spend their entire year watching and talking with these recruits. Former DrafteXpress founder and current ESPN Draft Analysist Jonathan Givony is one of the best. He would start out with guys in HS and follow their development into college (Along with all the ACC/EYB/Jordan games). There are a few other guys that are in the same boat. The issue is that you get some of these more rounded bigger name guys that read what they can about prospects (From guys like Givony) and alter their analysis a bit so it sounds a bit different. They dont do the work and put in the time, they just read and copy and change a few things. Then you have other smaller guys reading those and altering their analysis and big boards. Thats when you get a market of mocks with player breakdowns that are off. Ive seen ones where they talk about how bad a guy is at defense, then find a good one saying the guy is a solid defender with video breakdowns to help illustrate the point. The key is Look at the name of the person actually doing the mock/big board/analysis. Do you even know them or have you ever read stuff from them before? Do their opinions/takes ever come true or align with what you think? If no, then why take their word on what a prospect is going to be just because they are a talking head on a big name website. I mean like Yahoo Sports Mock Draft 4.0 is done by Krysten Peek, like who the F is that?!?!?

Now for the rest of the article. Ive spoke on this before, its not just the player being the reason they turn into a bust, a LARGE reason why is the team and system. If Josh Jackson went to a better team, maybe he would have developed into that player that he should have become. Teams need to have good coaches and trainers in place to work with these guys, and honestly i dont think we have that anymore. As i pointed out before, if we kept Rondo instead of giving him to the Celtics for $2M he wouldnt be the player he is today. They molded him in Boston. Garnett helped install that defensive instinct in him. They started him right away and gave him minutes that we couldnt. Here he would have just rot on the bench behind Nash and Barbosa like every other pick we made. Dantoni was also notorious for running a 8 maybe 9 player line-up. It won us games and guys got paid to just sit on the bench and practice. We sold picks because we wernt going to play them and wernt going to develop them. So yeah, a lot of the reason why a rookie fails in the NBA is based on the team that drafted them.

So yes, Dont draft a super defender and expect to teach him offense. Teams always try and it almost never works out. Article got that right. Thats why i dont like Okoro. And just because a guy is a good defender in college, it doesnt mean he will be in the NBA. Lots of guys are able to use their size and length to be better defenders in the NCAA, but when they get to the NBA they are dealing with bigger longer guys and overpowering them just wont work anymore. The one skill that will always translate is putting the ball in the hoop.

The "Better Basketball Prospect over Better Basketball Player" is a toss up. If you watch a guy play 4 years in college, you pretty much know what your going to get. After 4 seasons they have shown you pretty much all they have got. Its very rare that 4 year players all of a sudden step their games up to another level in the league that wasnt seen before in college. On top of that sometimes you have to break down and rebuild these players because of the systems that they ran in college that doesnt fly in the NBA. When you got a player who has been playing a certain way and a certain system almost all of their competitive basketball life, it can be hard for them to completely change all of that for the NBA, and many lose that confidence and swagger when they do. One&Done players you get a glimpse of what they can offer. You get a good basis of what they can and cant do and hope you have the correct staff in place to develop them and fix their issues. 3 years younger might not seem like that much of a advantage/plus, but in the NBA there is a huge difference between 30 and 33 years old. But then again if you are stuck developing the young player and not getting minutes/wins out of it, then how much of that 3 year advantage is actually wasted?

Just my opinion on the stuff that article mentioned.

[Kerrsed]

And just to follow up on what i was saying about guys who put in the work and are good draft analysist, here is Givony talking to a bunch of Youngsters way before college:

Spoiler:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://www.ralphiereport.com/2020/10/14/21516115/nba-draft-analysis-is-the-biggest-scam-in-sports-media

Thoughts???

1st part of the article was garbage. Talking about how all Pre-Draft Analysis is bulls**t, thats BS. There are some great people out there that get paid good money to spend their entire year watching and talking with these recruits. Former DrafteXpress founder and current ESPN Draft Analysist Jonathan Givony is one of the best. He would start out with guys in HS and follow their development into college (Along with all the ACC/EYB/Jordan games). There are a few other guys that are in the same boat. The issue is that you get some of these more rounded bigger name guys that read what they can about prospects (From guys like Givony) and alter their analysis a bit so it sounds a bit different. They dont do the work and put in the time, they just read and copy and change a few things. Then you have other smaller guys reading those and altering their analysis and big boards. Thats when you get a market of mocks with player breakdowns that are off. Ive seen ones where they talk about how bad a guy is at defense, then find a good one saying the guy is a solid defender with video breakdowns to help illustrate the point. The key is Look at the name of the person actually doing the mock/big board/analysis. Do you even know them or have you ever read stuff from them before? Do their opinions/takes ever come true or align with what you think? If no, then why take their word on what a prospect is going to be just because they are a talking head on a big name website. I mean like Yahoo Sports Mock Draft 4.0 is done by Krysten Peek, like who the F is that?!?!?

Now for the rest of the article. Ive spoke on this before, its not just the player being the reason they turn into a bust, a LARGE reason why is the team and system. If Josh Jackson went to a better team, maybe he would have developed into that player that he should have become. Teams need to have good coaches and trainers in place to work with these guys, and honestly i dont think we have that anymore. As i pointed out before, if we kept Rondo instead of giving him to the Celtics for $2M he wouldnt be the player he is today. They molded him in Boston. Garnett helped install that defensive instinct in him. They started him right away and gave him minutes that we couldnt. Here he would have just rot on the bench behind Nash and Barbosa like every other pick we made. Dantoni was also notorious for running a 8 maybe 9 player line-up. It won us games and guys got paid to just sit on the bench and practice. We sold picks because we wernt going to play them and wernt going to develop them. So yeah, a lot of the reason why a rookie fails in the NBA is based on the team that drafted them.

So yes, Dont draft a super defender and expect to teach him offense. Teams always try and it almost never works out. Article got that right. Thats why i dont like Okoro. And just because a guy is a good defender in college, it doesnt mean he will be in the NBA. Lots of guys are able to use their size and length to be better defenders in the NCAA, but when they get to the NBA they are dealing with bigger longer guys and overpowering them just wont work anymore. The one skill that will always translate is putting the ball in the hoop.

The "Better Basketball Prospect over Better Basketball Player" is a toss up. If you watch a guy play 4 years in college, you pretty much know what your going to get. After 4 seasons they have shown you pretty much all they have got. Its very rare that 4 year players all of a sudden step their games up to another level in the league that wasnt seen before in college. On top of that sometimes you have to break down and rebuild these players because of the systems that they ran in college that doesnt fly in the NBA. When you got a player who has been playing a certain way and a certain system almost all of their competitive basketball life, it can be hard for them to completely change all of that for the NBA, and many lose that confidence and swagger when they do. One&Done players you get a glimpse of what they can offer. You get a good basis of what they can and cant do and hope you have the correct staff in place to develop them and fix their issues. 3 years younger might not seem like that much of a advantage/plus, but in the NBA there is a huge difference between 30 and 33 years old. But then again if you are stuck developing the young player and not getting minutes/wins out of it, then how much of that 3 year advantage is actually wasted?

Just my opinion on the stuff that article mentioned.

Very eloquent and insightful post man! Also very accurate analysis. Loved the response.
Anyways, thanks for imparting some profound clarity and wisdom on the subject!

[Ghost of Kleine]

Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) Tweeted:
Kenyon Martin Jr. is one of the best athletes in the 2020 NBA Draft! @kj__martin
https://t.co/L1uLwvM8LS

Read on Twitter

?s=20

Could he be a good value consideration as a two way undrafted prospect to backup ( and be mentored by) Oubre? At the 3. I mean he does have similar elite athleticism and very good bloodlines as the son of Kenyon Martin himself!
I also do really love his tenacity and defensive intensity. Reminds me somewhat of Oubre himself.

[bwgood77]

For the poll, if we had the #2 pick, I would have to go with Ball. He's likely be the player we need off the bench to score.
Just don't know how much development he needs. He has at least been playing with some pros over the last couple of years so his mindset should be able to handle it.

He's not a scorer. At least in an efficient way. This guy, in a lower level international league, shot uder 39% from the field and under 28% from 3. He also averaged 6.77 apg to 2.54 TO, which isn't bad, but for a league of this caliber and based on his reputation is bad. He is poor defensively as well.

I honestly don't understand the hype. Lonzo was way more hyped, and for good reason, for what he did at UCLA. It almost feels like LaMelo is more hyped right now, but Lonzo was in what, at the time, was considered a great draft, and at the top of it. and for good reason.

Lonzo shot over 55% from the field, over 41% from 3, and a 7.6 to 2.5 ast/to ratio, over 3-1, along with elite defense. This is likely against tougher competition too....aside from the PAC 12, they played Kentucky and other top teams.

What is your big appeal with him compared with guys who were elite NCAA college players? Just prayer that he has upside in all levels of scoring and becomes solid defensively with his size?

I think if his name were LaMelo Ntilikina or something he would be projected as a 2nd rounder.

Of course in Kevin O'Connor's mock, he projects them to go to the Hornets...par for the course for them based on my expectations. I do think there is a chance he becomes a good player, but he's got a LONG ways to go.

To be fair, Ball went straight outta high school to lead a team in an entirely different country. He was playing on the leagues worst team (Horrible teammates) and was playing against grown men (Including former NBA players). As another top PG recruit (Hampton) has said, its hard to be put into that position, to lead grown men who already have an issue with you coming in and knowing that you will be gone in a year. Despite averaging 7 assists a game, no one on his team besides Aaron Brooks and Melo himself averaged over 10 PPG. 17/7/7 with a steal or 2 per game on a bad team with defenses double teaming him every chance they get. With better teammates he will shot less (Less bad shots and not forcing shots to try to keep his team in the game). The shooting can improve and would most likely improve with NBA caliber trainers helping.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2020-nba-draft-why-lamelo-ball-is-worth-all-the-hype-and-should-be-considered-the-no-1-overall-prospect/

He does have a nice handle, elite passing and nice size, but still cannot shoot or defend...so it will be hard to play him.

Sure these are grown men, but none of these guys can play in the NBA obviously, even as low end role players. The only noticeable name among league leaders is Bogut or Brooks, both of who are washed up as NBA players, though still probably among the best in that league (and Brooks was actually on his team). Or Brandon Ashley from AZ who couldn't make it in the league.

https://basketball.realgm.com/international/league/5/Australian-NBL/stats/2020/Averages/Qualified/All/points/All/desc/1/Regular_Season

I don't know why you think he had horrible teammates, relative to the league, with Brooks on it, but it's not like he was being double teamed or anything, which impacted his shooting..most every guy on his team shot better from 3:

https://basketball.realgm.com/international/league/5/Australian-NBL/team/310/Illawarra/stats/2020/Averages/All/All/tpfg_pct/All/desc

and had better FG% overall https://basketball.realgm.com/international/league/5/Australian-NBL/team/310/Illawarra/stats/2020/Averages/All/All/fg_pct/All/desc

He only played in 12-13 games too.

I mean a guy like Avdija is FAR FAR more impressive in what he is doing and even Poku is and these guys probably have tougher competition.

Ball may be good at some point but very likely not any time soon.