Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a rookie thrive on a team with a great fit. On the other hand, it's also a big shame when rookies land on teams that they can't grow into. In the upcoming draft, teams will try to make the most out of it and come out with the best addition to the team. In this case, we take a look at the 5 perfect landing spots for LaMelo Ball.
5. Detroit Pistons
An intriguing fit. The Pistons have been linked to Ball heavily in mock drafts. While the Pistons have Derrick Rose as of the moment, they don't have a point guard for the years to come. This would entail an ideal mentorship scenario where Rose takes LaMelo Ball under his wing. In addition, we can expect some sick alley-oops too with Blake Griffin still on the team. With regards to the future, it may be intriguing to see him with the likes of Luke Kennard and a budding prospect on the wing in Sekou Doumbouya. This team isn't the best fit out of the bunch, but the potential is definitely there.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
A work in progress. While the Timberwolves have yet to optimize Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell, adding LaMelo Ball to the mix might just be a risk that will pay off later on. He could potentially be the starting point guard as Russell can slide to the 2. The backcourt would feature a good mix of size, ball-handling, passing and scoring. Moreover, Towns would also greatly benefit with all the possible pick-and-rolls or pick-and-pops. Add all the parts together, and you have a potential star trio of Ball-Russell-Towns for the years to come.
3. New York Knicks
A hit or miss. The Knicks desperately need to acquire a point guard to grow alongside RJ Barett. While they won't be playoff contenders right away, LaMelo Ball can immediately make an impact on the team as the starting point guard. Nevertheless, the biggest concern here is the media attention. The Knicks have always been the talk of the town, for better or worse. With a player like LaMelo Ball coming in, this only puts more pressure on him and the organization overall. He will either thrive in this environment and spark hope for the future, or crumble under pressure and be heavily scrutinized.
2. Chicago Bulls
The safe option. The Bulls would provide LaMelo Ball with a good balance of everything that he needs. He will experience steady player development, he would be a sufficient starting point guard right off the bat, he has other players he can defer to in Otto Porter Jr., Zach LaVine, Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr., and his ego may possibly be curbed with a disciplinarian-type coach like Jim Boylen. Overall, Chicago won't be the flashiest option, but it certainly will be the safest bet.
1. Golden State Warriors
High risk, high reward. If you're a great passer, it only makes sense that you should be surrounded by shooters. Therefore, the Golden State Warriors might just be the best landing spot for LaMelo Ball. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson on the receiving end of all the passes paired with the offensive brilliance of Steve Kerr would brew the perfect recipe for LaMelo Ball. If everything works out, then he could end up leading the league in assists one day. The biggest risk here is the event that things don't simply click. With such a high profile team like the Warriors, coupled with the controversy that LaMelo Ball carries, it might get ugly real quick. As a Warrior, LaMelo Ball will either be constantly bashed, or consistently praised. There's no in between.
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