Lonzo Ball Campaigns for Malik Monk to Give LaMelo Ball No. 1 Hornets Jersey
Nov 20, 2020
LaMelo Ball, selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA draft, holds up his jersey during an introductory news conference on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Steve Reed)
LaMelo Ball will continue wearing No. 1 with the Charlotte Hornets, at least if his older brother has anything to say about it.
New Orleans Pelicans star Lonzo Ball tagged the account of Malik Monk, who currently wears No. 1 in Charlotte, and joked about switching numbers:
Monk might be happy to go with No. 5, which he used during his one season at Kentucky, but that already belongs to teammate Nicolas Batum. LaMelo usually has worn the No. 1 jersey, including last season in the National Basketball League.
Money can often grease the wheels when it comes to these matters. Perhaps a contribution from the Big Baller Brand fund could entice Monk to generously hand No. 1 over to LaMelo.
LaMelo Ball on LaVar Playing Michael Jordan 1-on-1: We Know How It Would End
Nov 20, 2020
LaMelo Ball, selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA draft, holds up his jersey during an introductory news conference on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Steve Reed)
Three years after LaVar Ball said he would beat Michael Jordan in a game of one-on-one, LaMelo Ball suddenly finds himself trapped between a rock and a hard place.
Ball, who was drafted by Jordan's Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA draft on Wednesday, was asked who would win a game between his dad and his new boss. The rookie said he didn't think it would actually happen, but gave a pragmatic response nonetheless.
"And I think we know how it would turn out, to be honest," Ball told reporters during his introductory press conference on Friday.
"Well, I mean it is my pops and my boss, so I'm on both sides now," Ball said when asked to elaborate.
When LaVar Ball was on his worldwide media tour three years ago, he decided to make Jordan the target of one of his wild claims.
“Back in my heyday, I would kill Michael Jordan one-on-one," Ball toldJosh PeterofUSA Today in March 2017.
Jordan was made aware of Ball's comments and offered a reply while speaking at Flight School Camp five months later.
"You got to understand the source. I think he played college, maybe? He averaged 2.2 points a game. Really? It doesn't deserve a response, but I'mma give it to you because you asked the question," Jordan said, via Ryne Nelsonof Slam Online. "I don't think he could beat me if I was one-legged."
Three years after their media war of words, Jordan and the Ball family should now be on the same page because LaMelo's development will be crucial to the future success of the Hornets.
LaMelo Ball Says It's a 'Straight Blessing' to Play for Michael Jordan's Hornets
Nov 19, 2020
FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, LaMelo Ball of the Illawarra Hawks brings the ball up during a game against the Sydney Kings in the Australian Basketball League in Sydney. The Charlotte Hornets selected Ball in the NBA draft Wednesday, Nov. 18. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
The Charlotte Hornets selected point guard LaMelo Ball with the third pick in the 2020 NBA draft Wednesday.
Later that evening, Ball sat down with Fox Sports South and talked about joining a team run by chairman and NBA legend Michael Jordan:
Here's @MELOD1P's reaction to getting to play for Michael Jordan's @Hornets team:
"Straight blessing. For real," Ball said. "I don't even have enough words to say. I mean, I'm just blessed right now."
Ball played 12 games for the National Basketball League's Illawarra Hawks last season and averaged 17.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. The Hornets will look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
Jordan bought the team in 2010 from BET co-founder Robert L. Johnson.
Grant Riller's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Hornets Roster
Nov 19, 2020
Charleston guard Grant Riller (1) goes up for a shot during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
College of Charleston guard Grant Riller, who posted 18.7 points per game during his four-year career with the Cougars, is headed to Charlotte after the Hornets chose him 56th overall in the 2020 NBA draft on Wednesday.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Grant Riller
Position: PG
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 190 lbs
Pro Comparison: Derrick White
Scouting Report: Grant Riller is the most efficient volume-scoring guard in the class, coming off consecutive seasons averaging 21.9 points on more than 60 percent true shooting. He's more of an undersized scorer than point guard, but a few inches in height shouldn't keep him from continuing to carve up defenses with his advanced shot creation and shot-making.
Here is a look at the Hornets roster following this move:
Charlotte has a crowded backcourt at this point with Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball, but there figures to be a spot for Riller off the bench as a scorer who can provide a spark for stretches.
He is also someone who can create shots for Vernon Carey Jr. as this new group of players develops together for the Hornets.
Nick Richards' Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Hornets Roster
Nov 18, 2020
Florida guard Scottie Lewis (23) shots against Kentucky forward Nick Richards (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 7, 2020, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Alan Youngblood)
The Charlotte Hornets selected Kentucky big man Nate Richards with the No. 42 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft Wednesday night. The New Orleans Pelicans traded the pick to the Hornets, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Scouting Report: Richards will be called on to run the floor, dive to the hoop, finish and block shots. He put himself in position to get drafted by improving his motor, activity and mid-range touch last year.
Here is a look at the Hornets' roster following this pick:
Hornets Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)
The Hornets have been busy in Wednesday's draft, and Richards gives them another big man who can work in pick-and-rolls with new point guard LaMelo Ball.
Ball's vision stands out, so it is not difficult to envision him throwing lobs to Richards during the 2020-21 campaign. Richards should also provide solid interior defense and has the athleticism to serve as a matchup problem for opposing bigs.
Vernon Carey Jr.'s Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Hornets Roster
Nov 18, 2020
Duke's Vernon Carey Jr. (1) gathers a rebound during an NCAA college basketball game against Georgia State in Durham, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)
The Charlotte Hornets selected Duke star Vernon Carey Jr. with the No. 32 pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Vernon Carey Jr.
Position: PF/C
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 270
Pro Comparison: Enes Kanter
Scouting Report: An old-school big man, Vernon Carey might have been a lottery pick 10 years ago. But he can still add value to a roster with his power, inside skill level and presence under the glass. Smaller front lines could have trouble keeping Carey off the offensive glass and containing his post game in the paint.
Carey put up good numbers in his only season with the Blue Devils. He averaged 17.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks through 31 games before the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly brought the year to an end. He also went 8-of-21 from beyond the arc.
In a different era, Carey might have been valued more highly. A 6'10", 270-pound center who can score in the post and crash the glass would've been a surefire starter years ago.
Carey is the kind of player who's being schemed out of the NBA, though.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie projected him as the No. 35 pick in his mock draft on April 29 and explained how his skill set isn't what teams are desperately seeking right now.
"About 50 percent of his halfcourt offensive production this year came on post-ups, and about 20 percent from offensive rebounds," Vecenie wrote. "Simply put, given that NBA teams don't really post up anymore and don't crash the offensive glass all that hard, how much of that is translatable to the next level?"
ESPN ranked Carey as the No. 43 player overall and No. 8 center. Mike Schmitz raised questions over his potential limitations as a defender: "Struggles to defend in space. Effort level comes and goes on that end. Projects as a drop pick-and-roll defender at best. Fundamentals and discipline still improving. Not the defensive anchor he'd need to be to make up for some of his shortcomings on the perimeter."
Carey only turned 19 in February, so he's far from the finished product.
Considering Marc Gasol and Brook Lopez added a three-point jumper to their offensive arsenal when they're well into their NBA careers, fans shouldn't write off Carey's ability to stretch his range beyond the paint.
The defensive issues are more concerning because they go beyond simply making sure he's in the right spot. He'll need to become quicker and learn to read the game better to avoid being isolated and attacked in the pick and roll.
Carey profiles as a backup center right out of the gate, and his role in the seasons ahead will hinge on whether he expands his scoring repertoire.
He now joins a Hornets team that added point guard LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. Carey should at least provide some depth down low to begin his career and could find himself as a starter by this season's end.
LaMelo Ball Says He's Ready to Lead Hornets: 'I Feel Like I Was Born to Do This'
Nov 18, 2020
FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, LaMelo Ball of the Illawarra Hawks brings the ball up during a game against the Sydney Kings in the Australian Basketball League in Sydney. The Charlotte Hornets selected Ball in the NBA draft Wednesday, Nov. 18. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
After he was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday night, LaMelo Ball is prepared to do whatever it takes to help the Hornets compete—including step into the role of franchise player.
"I feel like I was born to do this," he said, per SportsCenter.
Ball, who most recently played for the Hawks in Australia's National Basketball League, will join Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham in the backcourt for the Hornets, and while Ball may not immediately factor in as a starter, he may help provide a facelift for a forgotten Hornets franchise that hasn't made the postseason since the 2015-16 campaign, when Kemba Walker was leading Charlotte.
Through 12 games with the Hawks last season, he averaged 17.0 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists in 31.3 minutes per appearance. He only shot 37.5 percent from the field, though, and 25.0 percent from three.
In a way, Ball was born to be the face of a franchise. He is the youngest of the three Ball brothers—Lonzo was drafted by the Lakers with the second pick in 2017, and LiAngelo, who plays for the Thunder's G League affiliate— and his father LaVar Ball has been grooming him for his moment in the spotlight.
While scouts praised Ball's confidence and playmaking abilities ahead of Wednesday's draft, they also made comments about his immaturity and "weird release" from beyond the arc in speaking to Bleacher Report'sJonathan Wasserman.
With Charlotte looking to post its first winning season since it went 48-34 in 2015-16, Ball may have to step it up on and off the court.
LaMelo Ball to Hornets: No. 3 Pick's Projected Contract with Charlotte
Nov 18, 2020
FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, LaMelo Ball of the Illawarra Hawks carries the ball up during their game against the Sydney Kings in the Australian Basketball League in Sydney. The point guard from California who bypassed college and played overseas is expected to be one of the top picks when the twice-delayed NBA draft is held in November. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft, File)
Now that LaMelo Ball knows he will begin his NBA career as a member of the Charlotte Hornets, the next order of business will be for the 19-year-old to sign his first contract.
As the thirdoverall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, Spotrac estimates that Ball's rookie contract will be worth an estimated $16.1 million over the first two years.
Rookie contracts include two guaranteed years followed by two team options.
There have been varying opinions about who the best player in the 2020 draft class is, but Ball's name frequently appeared at or near the top of the list.
B/R's Jonathan Wasserman put the 19-year-old in the top spot on his final big board:
"While questions remain about Ball's shooting consistency and defense, there aren't any about his passing and its chance of translating. As a playmaker, he's Trae Young with 6'7" size, and though he's not as sharp or reliable at scoring, the 19-year-old possesses enough shot-making ability and range, floater touch and crafty finishing to put points on the board."
Ball is certainly the most famous member of this draft class. He's been on the radar for four years since his brother, Lonzo Ball, had a star-making freshman year at UCLA before being selected No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 draft.
LaMelo has been playing professional basketball since he signed a contract with BC Prienai in the Lithuanian Basketball League. He spent last season with the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia.
Ball averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per contest in 12 games for the Hawks.
The Hornets will be counting on Ball to become their new face of the franchise. They already have a few quality pieces on the roster such as Devonte' Graham and P.J. Washington, but Ball will be the engine that makes everything go on the offensive end.
LaMelo Ball's Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Hornets Roster
Nov 18, 2020
LaMelo Ball of the Illawarra Hawks passes during their game against the Sydney Kings in the Australian Basketball League in Sydney, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Point guardLaMeloBall is officially a member of the NBA with the Charlotte Hornetsselecting him No. 3overall on Wednesday.
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: LaMelo Ball
Position: PG
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 181
Pro Comparison: Penny Hardaway
Scouting Report: LaMelo Ball moved to No. 1 on Bleacher Report's board in November, and most scouts believe he possesses the most star potential of any prospect in the draft. He's a 6'6" point guard with Trae Young's creativity, passing and playmaking skills. And though his shooting consistency needs to improve, Ball will start his rookie season with NBA range and the shot-making confidence to catch fire and score in bunches.
Ball becomes the fourth player ever drafted No. 2 overall by the Hornets, who took Alonzo Mourning (1992), Emeka Okafor (2004) and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2012) in that spot during previous drafts.
The California native, who turned 19 in August, joins his brother,Lonzo, in the league after spending a portion of last year playing professionally with the IllawarraHawks in the Australian National Basketball League.
A bruised foot limited Ball to just 12 games in theNBL, but he impressed by averaging 17 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
Now he finds himself headed to Charlotteto prove the international route prepared him well for the NBA.
Wasserman was incredibly bullish on Ball, naming him the No. 1 player on his big board in mid-May, though not without some question marks:
"With 6'7" size, special passing skills and obvious basketball IQ, it's easy to picture that LaMelo Ball's high-level playmaking will translate. At 18, he ranked second in the NBL in assists per game while limiting his turnover rate to 12.0 percent. Teams should be able to bank on Ball to create easy shots for teammates in transition and off ball screens."
The biggest worries relate to his defense and shooting form, but those appear secondary to his playmaking abilities, which are more than league-ready.
Sam Vecenie of The Athletic agreed. He also named Ball his No. 1 prospect in May and had previously raved about his game film, saying it left in him awe.
"If Ball reaches his ceiling, he has the most potential to be an absolute difference-maker," he wrote. "He's the one with the most upside. He plays a critical position of value that is tough to find as a lead guard."
With the Hornets, Ball will be relied on right away to become the difference-maker he's convinced scouts he is.
Report: Onyeka Okongwu 'Out of the Running' for Hornets' No. 3 Pick; Cavs Linked
Nov 18, 2020
Southern California forward Onyeka Okongwu in an NCAA college basketball game against Colorado Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly narrowing down their potential choices with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft Wednesday night.
Per Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo, Onyeka Okongwu is believed to be "out of the running" for Charlotte at No. 3 overall.
Okongwu may not have to wait very long if he doesn't go to Charlotte. Woo noted the Cleveland Cavaliers have the 19-year-old "in the mix" with the fifth pick.
While James Wiseman has long been considered the best big man in this year's draft, B/R'sJonathan Wassermanhas the 6'9"Okongwu ranked three spots higher than the former Memphis star on his final big board at No. 3 overall:
"Aside from the explosive finishing, he surprised during last season at USC with his footwork while creating shots and touch using both hands (94th percentile on post-ups). He made 15 of 35 half-court jump shots and 72.0 percent of his free throws—promising indicators for a potential mid-range jumper.
"And between his rim protection, switchability and recovery speed in pick-and-roll coverage, Okongwu's defensive upside is enormous. He's one of the draft's few players who can greatly impact games at both ends."
According to Woo, though, Charlotte appears to be focused on selecting one of the trio of Wiseman, LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards, assuming those will be the top three picks.
Okongwu spent the 2019-20 season at USC. The native of Chino Hills, California, arrived on campus with a ton of hype as a 5-star prospect, per247Sports' composite rankings. He made the All-Pac-12 First Team as a freshman after averaging 16.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in 28 starts for the Trojans.
