NBA Mock Draft 5.0: New No. 1 pick for Wolves, Bulls take Toppin

LaMelo Ball has the highest floor of any player in this draft class due to his passing ability. He is someone that can make an impact right away for the Timberwolves – and impact much needed on a roster that only has two high-quality starters: Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell.

Ball’s fit between those two would certainly be a conversation, although it is arguable that Russell would be best utilized as a shooting guard, taking on more scoring accountability and leaving more of the playmaking to Ball. Still, though, the trait of passing is becoming more sought after in the NBA, and having two players that are good at it in the backcourt absolutely gives the Timberwolves an edge.

Ball has met with Gersson Rosas and Ryan Saunders already, and though he was not initially the projected first overall pick, he might be the better fit for what Minnesota wants to do moving forward. Anthony Edwards is a good player, yes, but he does not have the floor that Ball provides – you know that Ball is, at the very minimum, going to be a decent player simply because of his passing. The same cannot be said about Edwards.

There has also been some talk of Obi Toppin here – and it is just difficult to see that happening unless the Timberwolves decide to move down to the 3-7 range in the draft.