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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 Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /

Rebounding

LaMelo Ball is a fantastic rebounder for the guard position, especially given his size at 6-foot-7. Even though he’s not the strongest, Ball does a good job of getting position to box out and gives the effort to contribute on both sides of the glass. His rebounding also leads to additional playmaking opportunities for his team and Ball is fantastic at initiating a fast break off of a defensive rebound to push the pace.

It’s just another dimension to his skill-set and makes him that more justifiable as a No. 1 selection.

LaMelo offensive rebound, good pass cross court to man for open wing 3
LaMelo offensive rebound, good pass cross court to man for open wing 3 /

Defense

Possibly the biggest red flag on LaMelo Ball’s pro potential outside of his apparent attitude issues and the questions some have with his shooting are the concerns with his defensive effort. Many execs, scouts, and analysts feel he contributes nothing on this end of the floor, and overall his focus as a defender is underwhelming.

As I mentioned previously with the shooting, this is something I can understand even as a huge LaMelo Ball believer. His effort is inconsistent defensively and there are times as you’ll see in the play below, where he just checks out, doesn’t compete, and fails to finish the play.

LaMelo onball defense, blown by on drive, too high in stance, just awful effort
LaMelo onball defense, blown by on drive, too high in stance, just awful effort /

But as with many of the criticisms with Ball it seems, I just don’t fully believe that’s painting the entire picture with this player’s ability. I actually think he’s much more invested on the defensive end and gives more effort than once again he’s been given credit for. Ball does compete on defense and has an uncanny ability to jump into passing lanes to create steals. He’s got the size and length to add versatility as a defender at the guard position, while also showing solid awareness as a team defender.

LaMelo good job jumping passing lane, steals ball, switch hand finish in transition, crazy touch
LaMelo good job jumping passing lane, steals ball, switch hand finish in transition, crazy touch /

Plus, LaMelo will be able to switch onto some forwards and even during his time in Australia, showed the ability to switch onto some 5’s for short stints. I think his potential on this end of the floor is much greater than is being sold to the public, he’s not some problem child or lost cause defensively.

LaMelo on switch defensively, gets posted by big, pulls chair, forces steal
LaMelo on switch defensively, gets posted by big, pulls chair, forces steal /

He will be able to help a team out on the defensive end early, especially with his ability to cause steals and create transition opportunities. Ball is far from perfect as a defender but with the right coach, system, and personnel around him, he should be far from a liability defensively.