The Minnesota Timberwolves won the NBA Draft Lottery on Thursday and, barring a trade, will pick first in the NBA Draft. The Golden State Warriors finished runner-up, while the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers finished third through fifth, respectively.
Any number of players could go No. 1, but is LaMelo Ball the top prospect? And, perhaps more importantly, is he worth selecting No. 1 given the baggage his father brings?
“Is LaMelo Ball worth it because of his last name?” JR SportBrief asked on CBS Sports Radio. “Is bringing in and drafting a LaMelo Ball a good idea because [of] whatever he might come with? His father criticizing the coach. His father criticizing the organization. His dad putting in his two cents here or there. I think the boys are pretty much used to it.”
LaVar created a lot of drama for Lonzo, who was selected second overall in 2017 by the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Lonzo, I think he just lets it roll off his back,” JR said. “He’s used to it. [LiAngelo], he’s not even in the NBA. LaMelo, when you’re the youngest, you probably catch it the least – and I think he’s probably more advanced at this point in time than when [Lonzo] came out of UCLA. So this is a decision that Minnesota, Golden State, Charlotte and Chicago are going to have to figure out. When you’re in a draft where not one player necessarily stands out from the bunch, do you go ahead and take a risk?”
Some teams might be more willing than others to do that.
“If you’re the Golden State Warriors, do you build now, or do you try to compete in the long run?” JR asked. “Minnesota, who the hell knows what they do? I think they’ll ultimately still stink, especially as they look for a new owner. And Charlotte, I can’t wait to see who Michael Jordan decides to select. Maybe he picks LaMelo Ball. Can you imagine LaMelo Ball, Michael Jordan and LaVar Ball somewhere in the background? I don’t know.
“At this point, I would take LaMelo Ball,” JR continued. “I think his father would chill out. I think he would relax. And I think LaMelo Ball is what you probably want in a point guard here in 2020: someone who can command an offense, someone who is a way-above-average passer given his age, and someone who you would hope can continue to develop his offense.”