OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball’s strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

Of his overall skill set his absolute best asset is his playmaking. Ball can drop dimes efficiently with either hand. He utilizes his height and high I.Q. to read the floor well which adds an even greater level of playmaking.

Having the advantage of playing in a professional league allowed Ball the ability to play with men and subsequently got to run the Hawks offense and master all aspects of his playmaking. This was especially true in the pick and roll.

If you watch his highlight film, there are two things to focus on. First is how quickly he reads the play and makes his decision but where he truly shines is ball placement.

Veteran guards are known for this but LaMelo has already mastered the ability to lead his teammate toward the basket based on where he bounces or tosses the ball.

His creativity is impressive, especially for such a young player. He rebounds above average for his position and in a fast-paced offense will excel scoring in transition, or in the paint.

Weaknesses:

As much as his playmaking is elite and creative, those traits don’t expand into his own offense. His shot isn’t consistent plus he seems to back off drawing fouls seemingly not wanting to get hit. His first step would allow him to drive by opponents but get a bit physical with him and he’s taking perimeter shots or fall away attempts too far from his range.

While he has the superior playmaking to rely on defenses will adapt. If opponents guard his teammates and get physical with him it might render him far less effective.

As mentioned he’s turning off clubs in his interviews and if those teams spent the time watching his complete film package there could be concerns regarding his mindset. Instead of making sure to take the easiest path to net a bucket he seems far too invested in being a showboat.

Likewise, while his height and athleticism should equate to being a good defender he’s again far too invested in making the big play than defending for the entirety of the shot clock. To wit, he’ll gamble for a steal and by doing that leaves his teammates out to dry when the opponent simply drives by him.

This showboating could be a product of his age but teams and coaches who want their squads being professional and competitive will be turned off by that part of his personality. Suffice to say he reads more like his father than his brother Lonzo.