LaMelo Ball Should Not Follow the Journey of Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard, Claims Father LaVar Ball

Business tycoon LaVar Ball has always been a meticulous planner of his sons’ future. The founder of the Big Baller Brand never minces words when talking about the preferred destination of his youngest son, LaMelo Ball. The 18-year-old is certainly a talented prospect and is expected to land with the Golden State Warriors in the 2020 NBA Draft. 

LaVar Ball spoke about the idea of his three sons combining to play for the New York Knicks a few months ago. While his “Ball brothers on Broadway,” plan certainly seems exciting, we aren’t sure if it is feasible. 

However, in a recent appearance on the Road Trippin’ podcast, LaVar Ball expressed his concern over the quality of the team that LaMelo will end up in. “I’m not even worried about the No. 1, No. 3, none of that stuff matters,” Ball said, as per USA Today. “This is the one thing that I hope goes on is a coach believes in him and let him do what he does.”

The elder Ball wants his son to play for a team that values his talents and makes him a prominent member of the franchise. LaMelo Ball is just eighteen years of age, but has already competed and won the Rookie of the Year award in the NBL (National Basketball League). Thus, LaVar knows what his son is capable of and has certain demands from his upcoming team.

LaVar Ball thinks LaMelo should be a direct starter if the Golden State Warriors pick him

The Golden State Warriors have been the best team in the last decade. Under the prowess of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, the Warriors won three titles in the 2010s. However, this year hasn’t been great at all. 

Owing to their dismal 15-50 record, the Golden State Warriors are the favorites to win the draft lottery this year. Although LaMelo is not a guaranteed #1 pick, there are speculations about him going as the first player in the 2020 NBA draft.

Thus, it might be the Warriors who would pick LaMelo up if they get the first pick. But, LaVar Ball has certain conditions to the team that will end up selecting his youngest son in the draft. He should be an automatic starter. Ball knows the skillset that LaMelo has and he sees him fit to start in any given team. Here’s what he had to say about his son coming off the bench as a rookie next season: 

“Just like people was trying to tell me when Golden State was saying ‘Is it ok if Melo comes off the bench and learns?’ and all this stuff and I was ‘Nah.’ People was telling me Well ‘Kawhi, he came off the bench. Giannis came off the bench.’ Ok. Michael Jordan didn’t come off the bench.”

Michael Jordan sure didn’t come off the bench. It isn’t wrong to have a similar belief in your son. But, on the other hand, players who started from the bench are champions too. But, the elder Ball does not believe in that logic. Let us see where LaMelo goes and if he becomes a starter as early as his rookie season.

Source: USA Today, YouTube