wco81 wrote:Yeah listening to that podcast now.
Said "no-brainer" that Lamelo is the best prospect. A bigger Trae Young with a sound jump shot.
C'mon. I can't see that with his form and 3-pt percentages. He can't catch and shoot nor create his own 3-pt shot with high percentages. What Schmitz said sounds more like LaMelo, "While not the same caliber shooter." His defense may be lackadaisical and unfocused, but he can steal the ball when there.
I can agree that he go #1. Even Lacob and Guber want him if he's there at #2. Puts a lil more pressure on Myers if he wants Edwards or Avdija and Ball is there at #2.
From Nov 2nd
"Schmitz: LaMelo Ball
Ball is the most talented prospect in this class and whom I would take No. 1, regardless of team need. You could put almost every prospect in this draft with the best trainers and coaches in the world for years and they still wouldn't be able to develop the type basketball instincts Ball possesses.
When I asked Ball about certain passes during our film session, even he couldn't really explain what went into each read, he'd just credit his natural court vision. That style won't fit with every coach, but the fact that he's such a raw talent without having been on a more traditional development path is a huge part of what makes him so tantalizing. Even though he doesn't have great habits in terms of shot selection and defensive intensity, he's seen so many more possessions in his career than most players his age. That has absolutely played a role in his ability to make the game look so easy.
While not the same caliber shooter, he reminds me a little bit of a 6-foot-7 Trae Young -- another confident, high-usage guard who faced questions about whether his style would translate to the NBA. Like Young, you have to build around Ball completely and live with some wild shots to get to his genius, but he's special enough to do it if surrounded by shooting and athletic defenders.
Even so, it's hard for me to say with certainty what Ball will be in five years. I'd surely bet on the talent, but will he fight through rigorous seasons if he ends up in a losing situation? Plus, I actually see the gap between Ball and Edwards as much smaller than Jonathan and Kevin.
Givony: LaMelo Ball
Supersized playmakers are the queen on the chessboard in today's NBA. Ball handles on a string and can make every pass in the book, putting him in a rare class of shot-creators from day one. Given his late growth spurt, age (turned 19 two months ago) and unique path, I'm bearish on Ball's ability to improve defensively and as a shooter as well.
While my skepticism around the likelihood of Anthony Edwards reaching his (admittedly high) full potential plays a part in this pick, I'm a believer in Ball's talent and long-term outlook. His frame will need to continue to evolve, and whichever team picks him will certainly need to hand him the keys to the franchise over in order to maximize his strengths. Surely there will be growing pains early on in terms of turnovers, problematic shot selection and blown defensive assignments. I think the positives outweigh the negatives, but I understand why he's divisive. Part of that is due to his father's past antics, which I think are overblown by now.
Ball is not only the top guard in the class, he's the top overall talent, and it's not particularly close in my mind."
https://africa.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/30244287/ranking-five-best-guards-draft-classAs for the trade down, it's good that the TWolves are getting sh*t offers, i.e. quantity not quality. No wonder they said they'll take James Wiseman #1. Most likely, they'll take Ball if no trade down.
