LaMelo Ball’s triple-double starts NBA draft debate
LaMelo Ball’s breathtaking triple-double has the Hawks’ rising superstar tipped as the frontrunner for the NBA’s No.1 pick next year, with Michael Jordan’s scouts courtside on Monday night.
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The message to Michael Jordan couldn’t be any clearer: do whatever you can to draft “once in a generation” superstar LaMelo Ball.
Ball’s historic performance for the Illawarra Hawks on Monday night came in front of the man taking notes for Jordan, the greatest player of all time who also happens to be the owner of struggling franchise the Charlotte Hornets.
Ball, 18, became the youngest player in NBL history to notch a triple-double in an overtime win over the Cairns Taipans.
Ball slotted a three-pointer to send the game into overtime, just metres away from Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak, who was in Wollongong to get a close-up view of Ball’s skills.
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Ball is battling the like of James Wiseman and Anthony Edwards at the top of the NBA draft class, with his highlights from Monday’s game already generating more than seven million views online.
Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers is also reportedly planning a trip to Australia in coming weeks to watch Ball and fellow NBA draft hopeful RJ Hampton.
NBL commentator Corey “Homicide” Williams has no doubt that Ball is the frontrunner the NBA’s No.1 pick next year.
“Mitch Kupchak would have been salivating at the mouth after leaving Wollongong that night, he is going back to Michael Jordan and saying this is a gem right here,” Williams said.
“6 ft 7? And a point guard? This is a once in a generation player we’re talking about. ”
Williams and praised the teenager’s formidable work ethic.
“Just look at his passing ability, his ability to create for himself and others, to make the right decision off a pick and roll,” the commentator said.
“He’s in the gym shooting, doing 2.00am sessions with his mentor Jermaine Jackson, changed up his technique a bit and it’s paying off.”
Australian basketball legend Shane Heal said Ball’s performance on Monday was the best he has witnessed from a teenager, but doesn’t believe the guard is good enough to warrant the first pick – yet.
“I’m sceptical that he’ll be the No.1 pick, but I think he’ll be a top five, which is unbelievable for a young guard that’s coming straight out of high school," Heal said.
“It was the best all-round performance I’ve seen from a teenager, he’s still got work to do on the defensive end, but his game will translate to the NBA.”
Heal agreed with Williams that Ball has made outstanding improvements across the NBL and is the competition’s top player.
“Ball has improved at a faster rate than RJ Hampton,” Heal said.
“He’s just been able to dominate games now, while Hampton has played a solid role, you’ve seen an improvement from Ball and his numbers that have gone through the roof.”
According to Heal, however, the 18-year-old still needs to fine-tine his shooting technique and defence.
“I’ve still got doubts about his technique for his three point shot … it needs to be broken down and restructured before he can become a good three point shooter,” he said.
“He shot well on Monday night, but I still think that’s a flaw in his game that will be inconsistent moving forward.”
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The NBL Next Star has excelled despite the pressure that comes with being the son of media personality LaVar Ball and brother to New Orleans Pelican Lonzo Ball.
“I think that actually hurts LaMelo … when people see his Dad and the way he carries on, and the baggage that comes with that,” Heal said.
“But he’s been able to deal with that and separate himself from that, to show he’s his own player.”
Originally published as LaMelo Ball’s triple-double starts NBA draft debate