NBA Mock Draft 8.0: LaMelo Ball falls to Hornets; Bulls make a splash at No. 4

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NBA Draft prospect LaMelo Ball (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

3. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra

It’s not every day – or every draft – that a team picking No. 3 overall could end up picking the best player on paper heading into the draft. The expectation is that many teams have LaMelo Ball at the top of their big boards; with the way the board has fallen, the Charlotte Hornets could have him fall on their laps.

There are questions about Ball and his ability to be a difference-maker right away in the NBA. Ball is just 19 years old and is coming off a season (with Illawarra) in which he averaged 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists per game. The raw talent is very much evident. He has superstar potential.

The biggest question about Ball as he makes the jump to the NBA is his consistency and efficiency. Ball only shot 38 percent from the field, 72 percent from the free-throw line, and 25 percent from 3-point range this past season. Ball could have all the superstar potential in the world but if that aspect of his game doesn’t improve he’ll have a hard time sticking in the NBA.

Nevertheless, the Hornets should be willing to take that chance. LaMelo Ball could be the real deal.