LaMelo Ball is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft — potentially number one overall. Not surprisingly, his older brother, New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, is sending a message to his little bro long ahead of their first professional matchup.
During an appearance on The JJ Redick Podcast, the eldest Ball brother — and former high lottery pick himself — reminded LaMelo about his familiarity with his game:
“I know his game pretty well, so it might be a tough night for him,” Lonzo said.
LaMelo has taken an unorthodox path to the top of draft boards, bypassing college ball and instead playing in California, Ohio, Lithuania, and, most recently, for the Illawarra Hawks of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL). Ball impressed in his 12 games with the Hawks before a foot injury, averaging 17.0 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.0 rebounds per game.
Despite all the traveling, LaMelo is still just 18 years old. At 6-foot-7 with creativity and defensive potential, ESPN projects him as a franchise player. Like his older brother — who was drafted No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 — his shooting and explosiveness are possible question marks.
Last month, the Ball family announced that Lonzo, LaMelo, and middle brother LiAngelo would be signing with Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports Management:
“This was a family decision. This is now an extended family. They put together a beautiful game plan with Jay-Z. The basketball game is about to change. They are going to create something totally new,” LaMelo's manager, Jermaine Jackson, told ESPN.
Who knows when Lonzo and LaMelo will first square off, but it should be fun when it happens. Not only would the Ball-Ball matchup be fun to watch, but the Pelicans also have Zion Williamson and a number of other terrific players to keep an eye on.
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