Minnesota Timberwolves: LaMelo Ball possible new favorite at No. 1

The Minnesota Timberwolves have had lots of time to prep for the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft.

The Minnesota Timberwolves currently own the first, 17th, and 33rd overall selections in the 2020 NBA Draft. When they originally won the NBA’s lottery, the consensus first overall pick seemed to be Georgia wing Anthony Edwards. Recently, that narrative has shifted.

The Timberwolves have a plethora of options with the first overall pick. Assuming the team decides to hold on to their pick (again, this is a big ‘if’), Illawarra Hawks guard LaMelo Ball has been gaining traction as the presumed top selection.

Ball, who averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, eight rebounds, and two steals per game in Australia’s NBL, is hailed as the best passer in this draft class. That trait alongside his elite handle make him a high-floor prospect, with the potential offensive output in the future to become a true All-Star.

There has been some hesitation on Anthony Edwards recently, possibly due to his inability to truly affect winning during the course of his time at Georgia. He looked unfocused at times on both sides of the ball, particularly when he did not have the ball in his hands. That’s not to knock Edwards, but more to elaborate on some of the concerns within his game.

There has also been some recent buzz about Obi Toppin, although it is unclear whether the Timberwolves would actually be willing to select him with the first overall pick, or rather if he is just an option should Minnesota decide to trade back.

Regardless, most mock drafts seemingly have LaMelo Ball as the favorite going into the November 18th draft, although it does seemingly remain likely that Timberwolves general manager Gersson Rosas would be willing to deal the pick in order to get a win-now player.