Ball said he’d fit in with any team that drafted him, and didn’t tip his hand about where he’d like to go or even which teams he has talked with during this process, with draft day just a month and a half out.
Have the Minnesota Timberwolves, who own the No. 1 pick, communicated with Ball, one of the three consensus top prospects, along with guard Anthony Edwards and center James Wiseman?
“I don’t know,” the 19-year-old said. “No.”
That’s true. The Wolves’ interview with Ball is reportedly yet to come.
While Ball’s often outspoken father, LaVar Ball, has said New York — and likely its massive market — would be a good fit for his son, and Golden State, the owner of the No. 2 pick, would not be, Ball seems to have an open mind to all suitors.
“My old man, he’s his own man. He has his opinions and I have mine,” LaMelo said. “Like I said, I feel like I can play on any team and do good anywhere I go. Anything that happens, I’m positive.”
But what about the Timberwolves? Minnesota already has a franchise point guard in D’Angelo Russell. Russell was the Wolves’ lottery representative on the night Minnesota won the very pick that could be used to take Ball. Could those two co-exist in the same backcourt?
“Definitely feel like that would be a nice fit,” Ball said. “I feel positive everywhere I go. I feel like I can make a good impact anywhere I go.”
Russell is a guard capable of playing on the ball or off, particularly with his shooting ability. Ball, a 6-foot-7 playmaker, said a team can throw its best five players onto the floor and he’ll go, but he did admit he would prefer to have the ball in his hands.
“Because I feel the point guard needs the ball to make plays,” he said.
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas has indicated the Wolves will consider any player, regardless of position. Having Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns on the roster won’t preclude Minnesota from taking another point guard or center.
Minnesota won’t have an issue getting an interview with Ball, or any other prospect. It’s one of the perks of holding the No. 1 pick. Being the top selection is the dream of many, Ball included.
“Ever since I was little, like when you do little projects and stuff, that was one of my goals,” Ball said. “Go to the NBA and be the No. 1 pick.”
He believes his path to this point has prepared him for this moment. Ball left high school early and passed on college basketball to play professionally overseas, first in Lithuania, and most recently in Australia. He has been in the public eye for years, and knows what it’s like to play pro ball.
Perhaps that will serve him well as he begins his NBA career.
“When I made that first move to Lithuania, that’s really when I grew up and stuff,” Ball said. “I realized what was going on. I wouldn’t change my journey, because it’s 1 of 1. I like it.”
Whether that journey will lead him to Minnesota remains to be seen. Ball was asked this week why he should be the top pick on draft night.
“Talent, work ethic,” Ball said, “all the stuff like that.”
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October 02, 2020 at 08:00AM
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LaMelo Ball has always wanted to be NBA's No. 1 draft pick — will Wolves take him? - Grand Forks Herald
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