2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0
66. . PG. UCLA. Lonzo Ball. 2. player
Player Profile:
“Offensively, Ball’s ability to orchestrate the offense is certainly impressive. He’s garnering Jason Kidd comparisons with his court vision and impressive build at 6-6, while his passing in transition is something that few — if any — players can replicate.
He makes impressive reads in the halfcourt as well, coming off of screens and utilizing his size to see over the vast majority of defenders. He’s the main cog for college basketball’s most explosive offensive unit — and that alone does give him merit here.
Where Ball struggles, however, is scoring the ball. He’s a knockdown shooter off the catch from beyond the arc, but boasts funky mechanics that will limit him greatly when creating off the dribble. The freshman also struggles in getting dribble penetration when looking for his own offense, while his lack of aggressiveness against some of the more elite defenders has been concerning at times.” — 2017 NBA Draft Big Board 5.0.
Outside Opinion:
“Ball is most well-known for his passing ability. It’s an elite skill and may be the single best tool of any prospect in the draft. He has great vision and awareness plus the creativity to make his passes work. His assists are frequently on the money in terms of hitting a teammate in their shooting pocket. Ball’s willingness and ability to move the ball has fundamentally re-shaped the way the Bruins play and made them the best offense in college basketball.” — Chris Stone in FanSided’s NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 14.
Team Fit:
Once again, Ball’s selection is one that foregoes team fit on the basis of overarching talent. The Suns don’t need a point guard with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight gracing the current roster, but a number of scouting circles seem to be placing Ball in the same light as Fultz at this stage in the process.
His gifted passing touch and knack for deep 3-pointers is something that will appeal to virtually any front office, and the long term projections of his elite playmaking alongside Devin Booker’s perimeter shooting is enough to get the Suns to pull the trigger.
This could signal an Eric Bledsoe trade down the line, and less notably a Brandon Knight departure in the near future. This is a Suns team that needs to start rebuilding in some form or fashion, and Lonzo Ball could be their man.