OKC Thunder: LaMelo Ball zoom media interview highlights

As OKC Thunder continue their offseason and prepare for the draft fans can hear from prospects via media sessions with LaMelo Ball in the first group.

Over the next several years the OKC Thunder will be active in the draft thanks to deals Sam Presti made this last offseason. The club has a first-round pick this year courtesy of the Jerami Grant trade to Denver. That pick occurs 25th but with so many draft picks in hand the Thunder could look to trade up if there was a player the franchise felt was worth the extra investment.

Some feel LaMelo Ball could be an asset who’ll be a star eventually in this league and based on his media session via zoom with journalists he sure doesn’t lack confidence. However, while some of the previous interviews Thunderous Intentions highlighted offered insight into high IQ and quality individuals this specific interview left us with more questions than answers.

In fact, his answers are primarily yes or no only. Perhaps Ball feels he doesn’t need to give much detail given his ranking. Or maybe he’s annoyed by the media attention given his family has been under the spotlight since his brother Lonzo was drafted. Much of the media glare was tied to his father’s antics and comments.

Highlights from LaMelo Ball media interview

It’s unfortunate LaMelo didn’t engage the journalists more, often giving one-word answers in this session. Numerous times he asked for the question to be repeated so perhaps his feed wasn’t great. Fans can make their own opinion by viewing the full interview on NBA.com but the narrator’s take was Ball was only doing this because he had to and was trying to finish it as quickly as possible.

In contrast, several other prospects were more than happy to offer insight into their games and who they are as individuals. Compare Ball’s interview to some of the other youngsters T.I. provided:

Each of these youngsters provided far more insightful and thoughtful responses to the questions they were posed. Clicking on each of their names above links you to the breakdown of their zoom sessions.

Again this might simply be Ball not enjoying this process but of all the interviews this was the one which provided the least information.

Not much detail on teams LaMelo has met with:

Since he’s among the top prospects and well known due to this brother this was also one of the larger attended sessions. With that, many of the questions were based on whether he had interviewed with a specific team. For most teams, his response was “I don’t know — no”. The only team he did confirm speaking with was the Knicks who wanted to know about him off the court – – ‘outside the media and stuff‘.

Ball has been working out in Detroit and says he views the oddity of this draft process like himself – – unique. Repeatedly LaMelo stated he could fit with any team and noted if he lands with great players, he’ll be even better (this in response to what if the Warriors draft him).

Ball doesn’t lack confidence

Asked which former or current players he would compare himself to Ball said “I don’t compare myself to nobody“. LaMelo did concede comparison to his sibling Lonzo was fair given it’s his brother. In one of the few moments of the interview where he provided more than a few words in response he noted he speaks to Lonzo almost daily telling him to just be himself and other tips, the youngster couldn’t remember. Asked about facing his brother next season he says “it’s just another game”.

In terms of his strengths, LaMelo stated ‘just the flow of the game, passing outlets, all the little things’. The guard is focused on tightening up all aspects of his game including shooting and passing. Ironically he shut down the question regarding his shooting form immediately although it is the one aspect of his game pundits have suggested could limit his ceiling.

OKC Thunder: LaMelo Ball zoom media interview highlights

By Tamberlyn Richardson | Oct 17, 2020

As OKC Thunder continue their offseason and prepare for the draft fans can hear from prospects via media sessions with LaMelo Ball in the first group.

Highlights from LaMelo Ball media interview

Not much detail on teams LaMelo has met with:

Ball doesn’t lack confidence

OKC Thunder shouldn’t want to trade up for Ball