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NBA Draft: Why LaMelo Ball is the definitive No. 1 prospect in the 2020 class

By Evan Wheeler

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks in action during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks in action during the round 9 NBL match between the New Zealand Breakers and the Illawarra Hawks at Spark Arena on November 30, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect LaMelo Ball (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

Handling and Finishing

I’m not sure he’s Rod Strickland or Kyrie Irving, but LaMelo Ball has a very smooth handle that can compete with the upper echelon of the league. This is the genesis of his offensive repertoire as a scorer, shooter, and playmaker. Because he can handle it so effectively, it allows him to be a triple threat on the offensive end and attack defenses at multiple levels and in different ways.

It’s one of the traits that really sets Ball apart from the rest of the crop in this 2020 draft for me and is one of the main reasons I think he can succeed in the NBA. He might not be the best athlete either, LaMelo isn’t Russell Westbrook or Ja Morant so to say. But Ball is a better athlete than he gets credit for and does have a subtle quick first step combined with good speed in the open floor and will surprise defenders with his ability to beat them off the dribble.

His hesitation dribble is a thing of beauty, setting up most of his attacks offensively, and will be one of his best weapons of choice at the next level.

LaMelo hesi-dribble, baseline drive, dunk
LaMelo hesi-dribble, baseline drive, dunk /

LaMelo’s finishing ability at the rim though allows that handling and creation ability to become even more valuable. He’s got the height and size to finish over most guards and even though he could add some weight to his 190-pound frame, Ball also can finish at the tin through most contact.

LaMelo crossover/behind the back dribble, floater in lane, touch on shot
LaMelo crossover/behind the back dribble, floater in lane, touch on shot /

An ambidextrous finisher, Ball can go up with either hand with equal effectiveness and has the body control to make acrobatic lay-ups. But he also has good touch and a lethal floater that combined with his hesitation dribble is his bread and butter as a scorer.

LaMelo great hesitation, up and under finish, acrobatic and 1
LaMelo great hesitation, up and under finish, acrobatic and 1 /

You add that with his ability to shoot with range and make plays at such a special level, that for me it’s hard to not see how LaMelo Ball isn’t the most versatile offensive prospect in this draft.