LaMelo Ball’s status in the 2020 NBA Draft is nearly set in stone. As one of the top prospects in the draft, Ball is certain to be one of the first handful of names called in the draft and still is in the conversation as the top pick.
However, given some of the teams sitting atop the draft lottery, he could see himself slip down in the draft depending on fit. As was the case in the recent Sports Illustrated mock draft by Jeremy Woo as Ball slipped to No. 5 and the Detroit Pistons.
As the current draft order sits, Ball could easily slip in the draft. The Warriors at the top of the draft have made it rather well-known that they aren’t keen on drafting Ball and his fit would be interesting at best. The Cavaliers at the No. 2 pick have drafted guards in each of the last two drafts and the Timberwolves just traded for guarded D’Angelo Russell at the deadline. Likewise, Trae Young has more than solidified his spot with the Hawks as the lead guard, leaving Detroit as the first landing spot where need and fit match.
The Pistons’ current point guard for next season figures to be Derrick Rose but, outside of him, there is no long-term option for Detroit in the backcourt. Ball’s star appeal also would fit well into a Pistons franchise that is searching for a face of the franchise and the rebuild.
The Pistons also got a look at Ball up close during the NBL season, one of the few franchises to get the opportunity to. Along with the Knicks, the Pistons look to be the best on-court fit for Ball in the 2020 draft.
