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The Golden State Warriors have been awarded the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Since then, the franchise has been surrounded by countless rumors about what they may do with such a strong asset.
Many Golden State Warriors fans have talked about their need for a center and hope the team drafts James Wiseman with their pick. Many others have speculated the Warriors giving away their pick for assets and potentially drafting Nico Mannion with a lower pick in the draft.
However, we believe there is a very enticing option that many seem to ignore.
Here are 5 reasons why the Golden State Warriors should select LaMelo Ball in the 2020 NBA Draft.
The Golden State Warriors' system
There is no one in the lottery that suits the Warriors' system more than LaMelo Ball.
At 6'7", Ball is a tall point guard that has exceptional court vision and shot creation abilities. But more than anything, it is his versatility that would make him a great fit for the Golden State Warriors.
Whenever needed, Ball has switched roles between the team's shot creator and the high volume scorer, leading his team to victory in tough situations. The 19-year-old has also shown a generational passing ability much like his brother Lonzo Ball.
In the Golden State Warriors' system, Draymond Green has always been the ball handler, making smart plays while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson play off-ball to find open looks from three-point range. The only exception to this is the few times Green has to be on the bench, with the team running isolation plays.
LaMelo Ball can be a player that can take up the role of the ball handler whenever the 30-year-old goes to the bench. His passing ability more than warrants this claim, and with such a high ceiling, it may just be a matter of time before he surpasses his potential starting counterpart.
On the defensive end, it may seem like LaMelo Ball could be a liability but that is far from the truth. His performances in the NBL had shown continuous improvement on that end of the floor, and he has the potential to improve a lot more as time goes on.
Posing a threat on both ends, Ball could benefit the Golden State Warriors immensely.
LaMelo Ball has proven himself in a professional league
While the NCAA is no joke, it has to be said that the NBL is a tougher stage to perform on.
Due to his unique route to the NBA, LaMelo Ball has had to play against professionals who have spent years honing their craft and who depend on the game to survive.
Playing for the Illawarra Hawks, Ball averaged 16 points, 6.88 rebounds and 6 assists. He also became the youngest player in NBL history to record a triple-double and was named Rookie of the Year.
His performances have NBA scouts gushing about his game, with many coming out to say that it is "tailor-made for the NBA". More notably yet, reputed ESPN and NBA scout Mike Schmitz has come out publicly to call LaMelo Ball the most talented prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft.
In terms of young talent, they don't get much better than LaMelo Ball.
A lucrative trade asset for the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been speculated to trade their draft pick for assets that may better help the team. And even in this scenario, picking LaMelo Ball makes the most sense.
The Golden State Warriors would be looking to acquire an All-star caliber player from a small market team. And if the franchise decides to do so, Ball would be in the center of that trade.
The 19-year-old would solve one of the biggest problems that small-market teams have, which is ticket sales. With the number of eyes LaMelo Ball has on him, the 19-year-old would boost ticket sales overnight.
These teams, with their best player preferring to leave, would be more than delighted to have LaMelo Ball's services in exchange for their star as well as the advantages that come with them.
If done this way, LaMelo Ball could give the Golden State Warriors what they need for yet another NBA Championship.
No unnecessary noise from behind LaMelo Ball
Many fans and franchises fear LaVar Ball's potential to create ruckus about another one of his sons entering the NBA. Fortunately for all parties involved, he seems to have learned from his earlier experiences and looks to be less imposing in the media.
While fans may still hear from time to time from LaVar Ball, it will not be at the same rate or absurdity as with Lonzo Ball.
Many may refer to his statement, saying he doesn't want his youngest son going to the Golden State Warriors, and say that nothing has changed. But the truth is the 52-year-old hasn't said anything since. Coupled with his decision to meddle less, this could mean positive things.
Additionally, given the precedent the franchise has with Stephen Curry, it is unlikely that the Golden State Warriors' decision will be based on the fathers' opinion.
A future franchise player
The Golden State Warriors' core is not young anymore. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are all on the wrong side of 30.
While this means they need to win now, it also means they have to pay attention to the future of the franchise. And in terms of a player to build around, there wouldn't be a better candidate than LaMelo Ball.
Ball is a unique player with a skill set that just can't be taught. His length, wingspan and athleticism give him a chance to be elite on both ends.
In Australia, he proved himself to be a player who could step up and lead a team in desperate times. He has been called coachable and a great locker room presence by his coach at the Illawarra Hawks.
LaMelo Ball simply passes the eye-test and has all the tangibles and intangibles to be a great player in the NBA.
If the Golden State Warriors are looking for a future center-piece, they must look no further than LaMelo Ball.
Also Read :NBA draft 2020: Top 5 prospects to watch out for
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