NBA Mock Draft 4.0 — Warriors Take Wiseman First, Hawks grab LaMelo

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WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 25: Lamelo Ball of the Hawks celebrates hitting a three point shot late in the final quarter during the round 8 NBL match between the Illawarra Hawks and the Cairns Taipans at WIN Entertainment Centre on November 25, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) /

LaMelo Ball. player. Atlanta Hawks. PG, USA. 4. 125. Prospect Profile. Pick Analysis

With the top wings – Anthony Edwards and Deni Advija – off the board, the Hawks have to choose if they want to take a backup big or a backup point. Atlanta has loads of young talent already set to contribute next season, and with the right pick, should be out of the lottery next year.

Here, they find LaMelo Ball, a point guard who can play both behind and alongside Trae Young for years to come. The 6’7 Ball is built like a small forward, and some of his splits would indicate he plays like one too; he averaged 7.6 rebounds per game overseas.

It’s not until you see the playmaking that you realize why many have LaMelo as the top point guard on their big boards. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor notes that ” [Ball] Passes like he’s on the Harlem Globetrotters,” and I’d have to agree.

The 18-year-old is a magician with the ball in his hand and could climb the assist leaders board in his first season. His fit next to Trae (who finished second in the league in assists per game as a sophomore) is questioned by some because of this, but if paired, Atlanta would have two of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Ball will have to improve the rest of his offensive game to become a true star at the next level. His shooting split of 37/25/72 he recorded in 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks is a huge knock.