Warriors: Top 3 prospects to target in the 2020 NBA Draft
By Allen Settle
3. LaMelo Ball, PG, Australia
If Edwards is the top prospect and Wiseman has the highest upside, Ball has earned the distinction of most interesting prospect. The famous guard has two notable advantages over both of the other players on this list.
He has experience playing with grown athletes at the professional level as a member of the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).
While this level of play is a notable step down from the NBA, it has given Ball the unique opportunity to adjust to playing against players who are bigger and stronger than he is. He was able to record impressive averages of 17 points, 6.8 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game at this level.
Ball also has the benefit of playing in a family with NBA pedigree. He spent much of his life playing against New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, making his even more equipped to make a smooth transition to the NBA.
While this family also includes potential issues with outspoken father LaVar Ball, there is no reason to believe that his draft stock will be negatively affected for this reason.
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CBS Sports currently ranks Ball as the top overall prospect. The star point guard has excellent size for his position (6-foot-6) and amazing passing and rebounding skills.
This should allow him to make a tangible difference the moment he steps foot on the court. In fact, there has even been speculation that he could start at the small forward position as a hybrid ball handler.
The chief concern with LaMelo Is his ability to shoot from the outside. He recorded a lowly 25 percent from three-point range during his tenure with the Hawks, while shooting just 34 percent from a much less deep high school three-point line.
This lack of outside shooting ability would make him a curious fit in Golden State. While his ability as a passer would make an already fluid offense even more dangerous, there would be legitimate concerns about his ability to stretch the floor.
The Warriors are at their best when they have five players on the court who are legitimate threats from outside. This space allows Curry to thrive. Ball must be committed to improving his shot if he hopes to be a long-term part of the Warriors dynasty.
Next. Warriors have a bright future ahead despite playoff elimination. dark
For what it’s worth, LaMelo’s brother Lonzo (who had similar shooting concerns early in his career), is in the midst of a season shooting an impressive 38 percent from three.
Which of these prospects would you like to see the Warriors target?