He reminds me of ET in the matter of him not being able to create because his speed and handles aren't enough to create his own or shots for teammates at the NBA level. You didn't really address my main point! Deron Williams got the rim because he was so strong. Ball is super skinny, and won't be able to bully his way into the lane.
If he adds 20 lbs he'll be fine at PF. With the way the PF position is going he'll be better suited there.
He is super skinny now but he is very young. His size will be an advantage after a year. (6'6" in shoes) He will fill out. So is your main point his lack of speed and handles? Here is the analysis from draftexpress. Most people agree: "When discussing the Lonzo Ball experience, it would be impossible not to start with his elite transition play. Ball has virtually the entire package in this regard, from his ability to force turnovers and grab defensive boards to ignite the break, the breakneck speed he operates at with the ball in his hands, his elite creativity and passing accuracy, and even right down to his knowledge of when to push the ball himself and when to give it up to his teammates. The ball doesn't stick, his decision making is quick, and his creativity and vision are nothing short of elite. - Source: http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Lonzo-Ball-7229/ ©DraftExpress"
Its his lack of acceleration, not speed, and his inability to break down a defender with his handle. His height won't help him get by anyone. He'll fill out but will never be the type to bully his way to the rim.
I originally left Ball off, but saw some weird remarks that implied some where interested in him. So, I added him just to see what would happen. I honestly believe that the top 5 spots are completely unobtainable by Portland without trading Dame, CJ or Nurk. After that 6-9 are theoretically possible, but highly unlikely, with 10 and after being realistically in play.
His transition speed is not in question. It is his speed and handle in the half court that is. He has not shown, nor did he have to with UCLA's offense, much ability to dominate in the half court to the extent he did in transition. When forced into the half court he seemed to struggle.
If we were to get ball it would be with the number 1, assuming the lakers want him. Which means anybody is an option, and Fultz > Ball. At least that's the way I look at it.
I am not sure Alford even has a half court offense. Their offense was terrible two years ago before Ball and they led the nation in offense last year. He elevated his teammates. He is far from a finished product. Not sure there is one player in the lottery who is. They all need to improve. But to me Ball has the it factor. His length and vision and passing ability will keep him from being a bust. We will see if Luke Walton is the right guy to teach him how to be a NBA player.
If Ball works hard on his ball handling in the half court then he might make it. It's not that he can't do it. It is just untested.
You're looking at this all wrong, if I compared him to Stockton (and I still think it's the most accurate comparison) how many reasons were there to not select Stockton because of his size, strength, athletic ability? But they both have superior court vision, decision making and basketball IQ, these are things you can't measure
You can't take a players weaknesses and say, "well this generational, one-of-a-kind talent had some of the same weakness, so this prospect will be just like them.". That's ridiculous. Stockton had a much quicker first step than Lonzo. In the multiple games I watched Lonzo I never even saw him blow by a college defender. Stockton also had a better handle. Ball's passing is no where near as good as Stockton's. A lot of Balls passing is basic reads in transition. Your way to evaluate prospects is to watch their highlights, then if you like them, compare them to a one-of-a-kind great. If you want to know about Lonzos weaknesses, watch The Kentucky vs. UCLA Tournament game. Here's the full game highlights, tell me, who's the better PG? De'Aaron Fox lit him up for 39.
He's just the better player, and he has the potential to become a 35% 3pt shooter. Every other aspect of his game is top notch. Should be Top 3 with Tatum and Fultz.
