NBA Draft 2017 Prospect Watch: Lonzo Ball

What The Experts Say

(As of 4/12/17)

Draft Express (Jonathan Givony): 2nd

ESPN (Chad Ford): 2nd

CBS (Howard Megdal): 3rd

Sporting News (Sam Vecenie): 4th

The Step Back (Trevor Magnotti and Chris Stone): 3rd

Quotes:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer shares similar concerns about Lonzo Ball’s shooting form and his ability to score at the next level.

"“Ball has no issues passing, but the scoring is a question mark. While Nash or Paul can jack up a shot at will, it’s not quite as easy for Ball.”"

Christopher Kline of 16 Wins a Ring agrees Lonzo Ball is a unique talent at point guard that has the ability to translate perfectly to the NBA.

"“While at UCLA, Ball has revolutionized the entire offensive spectacle that is the Bruins’ systematic destruction of teams on that side of the ball. They’re a lackluster defensive team, but move the ball with such a glorious pace that it almost doesn’t matter. Teams can’t keep up with a Lonzo-led fastbreak, and his combination of cross-court slingshots and abnormally tough entry passes almost always end in an open man found via a mesmerizing assist.”"

Lonzo’s dad LaVar – who famously averaged 2.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game at Washington State during the 1987-88 season – compares him favorably to Steph Curry.

"“I’m going to tell you right now, he’s better than Stephen Curry to me. Put Steph Curry on UCLA’s team right now and put my boy on Golden State and watch what happens”"

That’s a pretty impressive thing to hear from a man who could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one.