The Washington Wizards may be setting their sights high for the NBA Draft. According to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington, Washington sent “multiple people” to scout LaMelo Ball in the NBL. They also hired a full-time scout in Australia to watch Ball.
Ball appeared in 12 games for the Illawarra Hawks this past season before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists and was named the NBL’s Rookie of the Year.
Ball is projected as a top-3 pick by various draft pundits. The Wizards had a 24-40 record before the NBA season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As things stands the Wizards have the ninth-worst record in the league. They would have a 20.2% chance of landing a top-4 pick in the NBA Lottery and a 4.5% chance of grabbing the No. 1 overall pick, according to Tankathon.
Ahead of such luck, the Wizards’ intrigue of Ball is due diligence. But the prospects of adding the 6-foot-7 guard would be very interesting, especially with Bradley Beal and John Wall already on the roster. Beal is signed through at least the 2022-23 season after inking a two-year, $72 million extension.
Wall is signed at least through 2021-22 while being paid an annual average just under $42.8 million. He hasn’t played in an NBA game since December 2018 due to a ruptured Achilles. He is expected to return next season.
The brother of New Orleans Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball, LaMelo can play at either backcourt positions and wing. Rebounding, passing and ability to drive are some of his strengths. However, he will need to revamp his shooting form much like his brother Lonzo.
Still, Ball’s versatility allows him potentially fit alongside both Wall and Beal. He also could serve as an insurance policy for Wall and could bridge the gap of any potential departure by the current “House of Guards.”
