Minnesota Timberwolves NBA Draft 2020 Prospect Profile: LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Strengths

When in doubt with a prospect, front offices will often hang their hat on a player who has at least one elite, NBA-ready skill.

LaMelo Ball has one of those, and it’s perhaps the best individual skill of any prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft.

His skill is the lethal combination of passing ability and court vision, and Ball has it in spades. Not only does he see things before they happen, but he also has the talent and athleticism to make all the passes. With both hands, Ball can whip cross-court passes to open shooters, drop dimes in the paint, or hit cutters with accuracy.

There’s no question that Ball’s passing ability will transfer to the pros immediately. Passing teammates open isn’t something that every NBA guard can do, and Ball does it with the regularity of the NFL’s Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes.

While passing and offensive awareness is his clear-cut best trait, Ball also has impressive scoring touch.

Ball is most dangerous in the pick-and-roll when he is able to survey his options and dart a pass to an open teammate or get downhill and put pressure on the defense. He has an impressive floater game and has the length and athleticism to do damage in and around the paint.

Ball can also make jump shots from anywhere on the floor. While there are some concerns with his shooting form and efficiency, it’s important to note that he has demonstrated that he can make all the shots.

His overall feel and shooting touch suggest that he could play off the ball in stretches. Ball is most effective with the ball in his hands, but as long as he improves his shooting stroke incrementally as a pro, Ball can be an effective scoring option and secondary playmaker if asked.

Now, let’s explore his weaknesses.