RADIO
Position: PG
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Draft Spot: 1.02
Analysis: Ball was expected to be the second overall pick throughout the process, but there were a few times he was questioned. The Lakers then opted to trade D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, which certified they were after a point guard. At that point, it was just a formality that Ball's name was called on draft night.
Ball was a one-and-done player at UCLA, averaging 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He is a player that has an awkward shooting motion, but was able to convert 73.2% of his two-point attempts and 41.2% of his three-point attempts. He only shot 67.3% from the free throw line, though. He has proven that he can score when needed, but he tends to be a pass first point guard.
Ball is sliding into one of the best situations in the NBA. He will be the unquestioned starter on day one for Los Angeles. LA is a team that loves pushing the pace, as they play an offense similar to Golden State. We saw a small sample of Ball's upside in the Summer League, as he averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 block in 32.5 minutes per game. There is a reason he is the favorite for Rookie of the Year.
Bottom Line: Ball will likely be the top rookie this season. He's a player that can immediately contribute in each of the five categories. He is also an efficient player, as he often only takes open looks because of his passing ability. He will immediately produce at a high level in the NBA.
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