LaMelo Ball, for all practical purposes, is the biggest name in the NBA Draft this year.
It’s not because he’s a part of the Ball Brothers trio with Lonzo (Zo) and LiAngelo (Gelo). And it for darn sure isn’t because of his father’s overwhelming personality.
LaMelo Ball is the biggest name in the NBA Draft this year because he has the “IT” factor. Also, there is the fact that the kid has more game than Milton Bradley.
For any young kid who is confused by that reference, look it up. Once upon a time, there was a thing called board games. Milton Bradley had them all. Enough of the trip down memory lane, though. Let’s get back to the topic at hand.
Numerous reports have surfaced this week that the Detroit Pistons are highly interested in the 19-year-old phenom. As a matter of fact, those same reports detail the Pistons’ wishes to trade up to grab him. I mean, it’s no secret that Ball has trained heavily in Michigan during the past several months. His trainer, Jermaine Jackson, is a former Piston and is a Detroit native.
The Pistons have the No.7 pick in the upcoming draft. The organization has not shied away from the fact that they’re not only rebuilding, but they’re looking to acquire a star for the future. They not only need a future star, but they’re also going to need someone who can fill the Little Ceasars Arena for Pistons’ home games.
Well, at least someone who can fill seats in whatever capacity fans will be allowed to attend anyway.
By now, anyone reading this article may have read reports of Ball’s stock falling and not performing well in workouts.
If that is indeed the case, the Pistons need to seize this opportunity now.
LaMelo Ball will progress under Dwane Casey.
LaMelo Ball will not be a bust if he is wearing a Detroit Pistons uniform next month.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey will not allow that to happen under his watch. Casey has a knack for developing talent. As the Pistons coach, fans have seen significant progression in players like Bruce Brown, Luke Kennard, Christian Wood, and Svi Mykhailiuk. Even as the Toronto Raptors coach, he helped players like DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry grow into NBA All-Stars.
That same future lies ahead for Ball should he become a Piston.
There are a few rumors that Casey is quite fond of the youngest of the Ball trio also. And just last week, Ball’s father, Lavar, has openly said he would like his son in Detroit.
LaMelo Ball’s jumper is reportedly in need of some work. Also, his defense is a bit suspect. Not to mention, his first step is not the quickest.
Nonetheless, Casey can help him improve in a few of those areas. After all, it’s not like his jumper is lacking like a Ben Simmons, someone players dare to shoot.
The bottom line, the Pistons are a team in need of a dose of energy. To do that, selecting LaMelo Ball if he falls to the No.7 pick accomplishes that. The Pistons have a chance to do something they rarely do. And that is to make a bold move and trade up.
If there were ever a time for them to do it, now is the time.
