LaMelo Ball Put in Luka Doncic’s Shoes, via 25YO Ex-Mavs Star

Luka Doncic is currently leading the league in scoring. At 25, the Serbian is the next big thing in the NBA by a large consensus. However, he isn’t alone in the conversation. Players arriving in the league after him have also generated hype as the next face of the league. Among them, a notable contender is 2020 3rd overall pick LaMelo Ball. The 22-year-old has already shown flashes of greatness in his unique play style and abilities, exciting Charlotte Hornets fans for a bright future.

Even after only playing 22 games this season due to injury, Ball ignites many comparisons around the league. Interestingly, Grant Williams, who played for the Dallas Mavericks and was Luka Doncic’s teammate, is now LaMelo’s teammate after a shocking mid-season trade. In a recent podcast, he compared the Serbian to Ball uniquely.

“I look at Lamelo. He’s a guy that reminds me a bit of a mix of Luca and Tyrese,” said Williams.

He further elaborated, “Not necessarily the scorer that Luca is, but the passer that Tyrese is, and be able to go with pace up the floor, and being able to make really take control of a game and the energy around it. So, um, those two have a bright future ahead as long as they stay committed and stay focused on the things that matter.” 

It’s quite a compliment, especially when it comes from a player who thoroughly analyzed the playing style of the two emerging talents. However, there might be just one problem with this comparison. And that is the drastically distinct play styles.

Is LaMelo really like Luka Doncic?

Notably, LaMelo and Luka Doncic stand at 6’7″, despite no significant physicality differences. It is primarily because Ball has a leaner frame, making him more prone to injuries. On the other hand, Doncic has a broader frame yet scores effortlessly with his pick-and-roll game. The main reason for that is the ability to dictate the game’s pace, making it move to his whims rather than playing according to it. In turn, this makes his ball movement extremely lethal.

Even when Luka Doncic was 22, he had better court vision and play-making skills compared to LaMelo. However, in time, Ball will also get to that level, given his explosiveness on the rim combined with his shooting. What are your thoughts?

Let us know in the comments below.

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