LaMelo Ball appears to have his eyes set on the New York Knicks.
While LaMelo Ball can only do so much to dictate where he will ultimately play his first NBA game, the lottery prospect apparently prefers to be drafted by the New York Knicks.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, multiple teams who are projected to select after the Knicks in the 2020 NBA Draft believe Ball and those in his circle prefer that he lands in New York.
This is not the first time the tall point guard has been connected to the Knicks. His father, LaVar Ball, indicated on a recent podcast that he thinks New York is the perfect fit for his son, and if he were to end up there, it could perhaps lead to all three Ball brothers calling Madison Square Garden home—you can’t blame a father for dreaming.
The Knicks reportedly like LaMelo Ball, too
LaMelo Ball is reportedly the top point guard on New York’s draft board, but obviously that could change in the months leading up to the delayed 2020 draft. Walt Perrin is now in charge of college scouting, and it’s unclear how his influence could change previous thinking within the organization.
Ball played this past season in Australia where he averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists. While the bright lights of New York don’t appear to be a deterrent for the young guard, there are questions on whether he is the best fit for a team that already is building around two players who aren’t known for their shooting in RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson. Ball shot a dismal 25% from three in Australia on 6.7 attempts per game.
That said, the 6-foot-7 point guard possesses unique court vision and could become a generational passer in the NBA. The Knicks have been searching for a point guard to represent the city known for dribbling guards since Mark Jackson was Rookie of the Year in 1988.