The Minnesota Timberwolves traded for LaMelo Ball because of his playmaking. The Chino Hills product joined forces with Anthony Edwards in what was arguably the most polarizing move of the offseason in the entire NBA. The former Charlotte Hornets star was acquired for a measly trade package and now allows the Timberwolves to showcase one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
However, the jumbo-sized point guard has had his fair share of injury issues over the years, and many have questioned if he can play a winning brand of basketball. Inefficient and inconsistent scoring, along with questionable defensive effort, are just a couple of areas that critics have pointed out.
LaMelo Ball's playmaking will benefit the Timberwolves
One thing is for sure, though: the former No. 3 overall pick is one of the best playmakers in basketball. At 6-foot-7, Ball sees over defenders and can get passes off at any time. He delivers those passes with not just flash, but accuracy as well. He also has the speed and athletic abilities to get downhill, collapse opposing defenses, and kick the ball out to either open shooters or lob threats, such as Rudy Gobert.
This dose of playmaking is just what the doctor ordered for the Timberwolves. Minnesota, while still one of the best teams in the NBA last season, had one of the most glaring positional needs in the entire league.
They lacked not only starting-caliber point guard play, but depth at the position, too. Mike Conley was well past his prime, and while Bones Hyland emerged later in the season, he is far from a prototypical lead guard because he looks to score first. The Timberwolves' lack of true point guards forced them to often play Edwards at the one.
The Timberwolves star is at his best when he has a point guard who can set the table for him. Gobert obviously needs a great passer in the offense if he is to have any production on that end, too. Those factors make Ball a perfect fit for Minnesota, not just because he is a point guard, but because his best trait is getting his teammates involved.
Of course, the Ball addition came at the sacrifice of frontcourt play. Not only was Naz Reid traded away, but the team moved on from Julius Randle, too.
This is a team with great athletes and a good dose of 3-point shooting, though, and they will benefit from running in transition and securing wide-open catch-and-shoot opportunities with their new point guard.
Once the season rolls around the Timberwolves will soon find out just how impactful Ball's playmaking is.
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