As LaMelo Ball gets closer to getting drafted into the NBA, his fan base within the league seems to grow. On Thursday, the 18-year-old Illawarra Hawks guard posted his mixtape from Australia and a handful of NBA players reacted to the video, including Trae Young, Tyler Herro and Ja Morant.
Herro was the most complimentary of Ball, commenting that he could be the “#1 pick” in next year’s draft. Herro was the No. 13 pick int he 2019 NBA Draft and went off for 18 points in his preseason debut for the Miami Heat on Wednesday.
Young, the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, has also said that he believes Ball can be the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Lance Stephenson —who is good friends with Ball’s oldest brother, Lonzo — and Ball’s former Spire Institute teammate Isaiah Jackson also commented on the video.
Having fans in the NBA doesn’t automatically make one a star (see: Carmelo Anthony), but at Ball’s age it helps him gain credibility and boost his draft stock. Ball is currently projected to go in the top-three in the 2020 NBA Draft, according to ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony.
There will be nights Ball struggles against NBL competition, but there’s a reason there is so much hype around him going into next year’s draft. But first, he has to show that hype is warranted this year in Australia. Highlights are one thing; a full game is another.
