Minnesota Timberwolves: 4 likely options in play for the No. 1 overall draft pick

The popular pick: LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra

It doesn’t take a draft expert or guru to suggest that LaMelo Ball would be the popular pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 1. In fact, this is probably the outcome that most expect to happen at the top of the 2020 NBA Draft. However, schematically, I’m not sure if Ball would be the most ideal fit next to D’Angelo Russell.

Russell is largely a ball-dominant player on the offensive end as Ball has showcased during his tenure professionally. In fact, one of the bigger questions surrounding Ball as a pro player involves his ability to play off-ball. It seems like if any team is targeting Ball, they should plan on having him anchoring their offense. I’m not sure if the Wolves are ready to hand over the keys to him with both Russell and Towns as key cogs.

Ball only shot 25 percent from 3-point range in the 12 games he played in for Illawarra and to have an off-guard be a below average 3-point shooter is never a positive. In fact, that’s generally a sign that it probably won’t work out. The saving grace is that it was a small sample size, and that will likely improve with more reps and NBA coaching.

Then again, LaMelo Ball would bring the star power that this franchise might need. Maybe draft the best player available and then worry about fit later?