On Friday, Yahoo Sports and Rotoworld’s Raphielle Johnson shared her first mock and joined the host of people predicting LaMelo Ball would slip a bit. Johnson slated Anthony Edwards to go No. 1 to Minnesota and James Wiseman No. 2 to Golden State, leaving Ball to go No. 3 to the Charlotte Hornets.
“In this scenario Ball would likely have to play without the ball in his hands more than he did in Australia, but it isn’t as if he has absolutely no experience doing so (remember, he played with older brother Lonzo on the grassroots circuit and at Chino Hills HS). And Hornets coach James Borrego had no issue utilizing lineups with both Rozier and Graham on the court at the same time this season. Given the struggles of Charlotte’s off-guards in recent years, taking a flier on Ball wouldn’t be the worst move to make. That being said, Wiseman dropping to three would be the better scenario due to Bismack Biyombo being a free agent and Cody Zeller heading into the final year of his deal.”
Golden State will determine much of this draft and if they hang onto the pick, it appears Ball won’t be their selection. In that case, it would leave the Hornets with the decision of a debate between the best player available (LaMelo Ball) or a less-talented, better-fitting prospect.
Potentially, the Hornets could select Ball and use either him, Devonte’ Graham or Terry Rozier in a trade to unclog the backcourt and balance the roster. There remains the possibility as well that they draft Ball, help build up his trade value and move him at a later date as well.
