After selecting Ja Morant with the second overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, it seems a bit unusual to have Memphis select yet another on-ball guard. However, LaMelo Ball falling to fifth overall would be too hard to pas up on for the rebuilding Grizzlies.
Many scouts consider the younger brother of former second overall selection Lonzo Ball a potential number one overall pick, but a lot of this hype is simply for the reason that NCAA basketball has yet to begin.
Ball’s size is by far his most intriguing attribute. Standing at 6-foot-7 inches tall, the Los Angeles native would possess phenomenal size to play either guard position. His ball handling ability is among the best in his draft class.
LaMelo is also a very confident scorer who does not fear the big moment. His mentality screams volume scorer, although he has never been efficient in his efforts to do so. In fact, Ball is currently shooting under 35 percent in the LBL. However, his passing has looked great up to this point, recording just shy of 6 assists per game and only 2.13 turnovers per contest.
To this point, the hype around Ball is enormous. If his stock continues to trend up, Memphis would be foolish to pass on him this late in the draft.
His fit may be a bit strange, as he is much better suited offensively with the basketball in his hands. However, we have recently seen two point guards drafted in back-to-back drafts with Cleveland. In addition, Ball’s defensive shortcomings would be supplemented by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clarke. His stock is high now, but look for it to go down considerably as the NCAA season begins.