Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
On Draft Night, The Golden State Warriors Informed LaMelo Ball That They’d Select Him
NBA executives, managers, players, and fans, had very little time to enjoy their time off, as the NBA Draft occurred only a few week after LeBron and the Lakers won the NBA Championship.
All eyes were on the Minnesota Timberwolves, as it was one of the most open and unexpected drafts in recent history. There wasn’t a consensus number one pick and it was considered a relatively weak draft. Many analysts and experts were wondering who the Timberwolves would select with the first selection. Nevertheless, the Warriors were the most intriguing, as fans were wondering, whether they would draft the best available player, trade the pick and get players to help them contend, or if they draft for a positional need. Apparently, the Warriors organization were wondering the same thing.
While draft interviews were undergoing, the Warriors interviewed multiple players, notably LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and Deni Avdija. Steve Kerr and the front office were reportedly blown away, by Avdija and Wiseman. And although they weren’t in need of another playmaker and shooter like Ball, a prospect like him, is hard to pass on.
Fast forward to November, and the Timberwolves are officially on the clock. The night of the draft, according to Jalen Rose on his podcast,
“The Golden State Warriors told LaMelo Ball that they were going to take him next, and they didn’t do it… That story going to come out soon”.
The Warriors supposedly promised to draft LaMelo, while ultimately deciding to take big-man James Wiseman. This is probably the reason why LaMelo and Lavar Ball were excited, when Edwards was taken number one, as they expected LaMelo to be the next player selected. I mean who wouldn’t want to play with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
The rest is history, and the Warriors passed on Ball, allowing the Charlotte Hornets to draft him. While he has a solid start to the season, LaMelo was still coming off the bench. However, as of late, he became a starter, taking over for Devonte Graham. Since then, LaMelo has been averaging 20.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 6.2 rebounds. He is the betting favorite to win rookie of the year and has been a tremendous addition to the Hornets’ squad this season.
For the Warriors, James Wiseman has been putting up 11.8 points and 5.9 rebounds, in 21 minutes of play. He has battled a couple of injuries, but when he’s in the lineup, is relied upon tremendously from Steve Kerr and Steph Curry. Once the Warriors roster is healthy, I’m sure Wiseman will be a beast for them. He’s a really good player, and will be a cornerstone piece for their franchise, for years to come. Although it’s still very early, it’s fun to wonder if they made the right selection of taking a big, over the playmaker.
