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’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.
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.
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.