2020 NBA Mock Draft Version 6.0: Coronavirus halts NBA season
4
LaMelo Ball Guard, United States
17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.1 blocks, 38% fg, 25% 3pt, 31 mpg
Much like Minnesota, Anthony Edwards would be an ideal two guard to plug in, but the Hawks would need help in the lottery in order to have a shot at him. Otherwise, there is no way he gets past the third pick. Atlanta could possibly be interested in moving this pick for an established shooting guard, but if not, going after LaMelo Ball would make for a very interesting backcourt in Atlanta. Ball is undeniably one of the most talented players in this class, as his skillset at his size and position are something that we have never seen before. As a 6ft 7 lead guard who can score, shoot, rebound, and pass, his offensive scouting report sounds like a near ideal modern NBA player. Questions of efficiency and maturity on the floor are very legitimate, as Ball is a bit of a loose cannon when it comes to his shot selection.
Ball’s fit in Atlanta is also extremely questionable. His talents would be far better suited as a point guard, but there would be no chance that would happen with the Hawks, considering they have a 21 year-old All-Star in Trae Young. This is not to say that Ball could not play the two, as he certainly possesses the size and skillset to do so. Rather, his greatest quality is arguably his court vision, which would not be fully utilized as a shooting guard. Additionally, a backcourt of Young and Ball would be an absolute nightmare defensively, as both are major liabilities on that end. Ball is certainly gifted enough to be at least an average NBA defender, but history shows us that he has no interest in being impactful on that end. On the contrary, a Ball-Young pairing could be absolutely deadly offensively and could be exactly what the team needs to get back into the playoff conversation out East.