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Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Profile: LaMelo Ball

By Dylan Jackson

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks gestures during the round three NBL match between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Illawarra Hawks on October 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 19: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks gestures during the round three NBL match between the South East Melbourne Phoenix and the Illawarra Hawks on October 19, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images) /
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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks looks on with RJ Hampton of the Breakers  in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 30: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks looks on with RJ Hampton of the Breakers  in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

The Good

LaMelo Ball is a generational passer. He can hit anyone from anywhere on the floor – whether it be in transition or in a half-court setting. Passing/vision is the most translatable skill when it comes to talent evaluation – it doesn’t just go away. Ball’s own brother, Lonzo, is one of the best passers in the league currently (and that was his main asset during the 2017 NBA Draft).

Other examples include Luka Doncic, Trae Young, and DeAaron Fox. Though every one of those players is more than “just a facilitator”, they all were praised for their ability to create for others – thus giving them a much higher probability of, at the very least, being a starting caliber player. And that alone should not be taken for granted in a draft class with no particular top talent.

Another one of Ball’s strengths is his overall touch. Whether it be at the rim or from three, Ball just has really great touch when attempting to score. He can finish with either hand and is crafty getting to the rim.

Ball also has a top-5 percentile handle. He is genuinely great at dribbling and creating opportunities for himself (which then opens the door for him to manufacture plays for teammates). At 6-foot-8, having an elite handle is extremely useful, especially in transition. Ball changes speeds very well and can manipulate defenders with ease.

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