While there have been multiple people directly associated with the Illawarra Hawks and the NBL speak out against the potential of LaMelo Ball buying the franchise, one prominent figure from last season’s team recently backed Ball.
Former Hawks teammate Aaron Brooks, who was the team’s veteran leader before going down with an injury early in the season that ruled him out for the year, voiced his support of Ball buying the franchise in an interview with TMZSports.
“One, it’s a good business deal. The NBL is doing a great job of growing the league and it’s an up-and-coming league. And I think that team is destined for success. That city is hungry for success. Kudos to him for making that big boss move and trying to purchase the team early. Young guys should follow suit. I think it’s just great. It’s a great opportunity for him to invest into a league that is that good.”
Ball’s pursuit of purchasing the Hawks has seen pushback from both a former NBL commissioner and a former player for Illawarra. Both had reservations of different kinds for Ball ranging from how economically beneficial purchasing the club may be to how committed Ball would be.
But no other owner could bring the international recognition that Ball could. And few could offer the potential financial backing Ball could should he have even a semi-successful NBA career of his own.
It’s a calculated risk that Ball, his consortium and the league will have to weigh together before a final decision is made.
