[BallerScriptParticipant]

Here’s a quick summary of how LaMelo’s pro debut went

In 32 minutes, LaMelo Ball finished with 12 points (6/17 from the field, 0/5 from deep, 0/1 from the line. He also snagged 10 boards, dished out 5 assists, picked up 4 steals and 1 block with zero turnovers and 3 fouls. 

LaMelo’s flamboyant playstyle was immediately felt as following the first possesion he ripped a rebound off the rim and sent it spiraling down the court with a one handed bullet pass which appears to be his go to style of passing. While Ball wasn’t as efficient as many hoped he’d be, he wasn’t taking bad shots. He played within the flow of the offense and appeared very selfless in comparison to his teammate Aaron Brooks.

As you probably all know, LaMelo put one of his defenders on skates as he toyed with him but there were several other times where LaMelo could’ve been more efficient with his dribbling and had better control. 

On defense, Ball appeared to be average. While he has a natural feel for jumping passing lanes much like Lonzo, his fundamentals when guarding on-ball are below average at best. It’s clear he has the tools to be an above-average defender but as of right now he’s a bit of a liability on ball. Although, his effort is definitely improving. 

LaMelo looked very comfortable keeping the ball fizzing around. At times it looked like he was more focused on passing the ball as soon as he got it than anything else. 

LaMelo’s dexterity and ability to contort his body is what stood out the most and it is very clear that he has matured drastically as a basketball player in the space of a year. His effortless demeanor and natural feel for the game were on full display and I can’t wait to see how he performs moving forwards. 

Right now I would guess that LaMelo Ball’s draft stock sits in the top 7. His commitment to maturing as a basketball player and learning the professional game is impressive and speaks volumes about his commitment to the game. 

A few notes on the rest of the game: 
– Illawarra lost to Brisbane 90-81.
– Aaron Brooks when on the court did ball-hog but did also drop 20+ points off the bench.
– Brisbane featured players such as former Atlanta Hawk Lamar Patterson and Nathan Sobey.
– I’m still really mad at Josh Boone for screwing up several catches and that one particular dunk off of the Melo dime. 
– LaVar Ball got 10 seconds of screen time. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Why isnt Aaron Brooks an NBA player? I think despite his age he can still play at this level.

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 defense liability..he plays no D and he’s short. Good player though. 

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

I think he could be better in time. He’s solid, he can shoot it more efficiently than his debut suggests. I hope he is just experiencing opening day jitters

 

[BallerScriptParticipant]

 It was definitely opening day jitters when it came to his jumper. There were several occassions where he rushed his shot in a panic.

[r377Participant]

 I still think he shot looks off, but time will tell.

Can watch the game free here – just need to turn adblock off

https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/1607100483863/nbl-replay-illawarra-hawks-v-brisbane-bullets

[r377Participant]

Lamelo Ball shooting % is 28% but just had his best game yet —–
report ——
LaMelo Ball has solidified his position at the top of the NBA 2020 Draft board with a supreme floor general’s performance, taking down the heavily favoured Cairns Taipans on Saturday night at Cairns Convention Centre.

With the world watching following ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz’s statement that Ball is the upcoming Draft’s most talented prospect, Ball simply put on a show.

In addition to the standard court vision and above-average rebound numbers, the 18-year-old sensation finally had his long ball working, going 5/11 from deep on the night.

He finished with a game-high 24 points on 9/21 from the floor, six rebounds and eight assists as he dominated counterpart and veteran international point guard Scott Machado.

Seasoned big men David Andersen (17 points, eight boards) and Josh Boone (15 points, eight rebounds), terrorised the Snakes on the glass as the visiting side outrebounded the hosts 49-31.

With Ball having the night of his NBL career to date and Andersen and Boone the best games of their season, Sunday Dech also had a career night for the Hawks with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. He hit 4/5 from downtown.

Cairns was paced by gunslinger Mirko Djeric’s 19 points off the bench, while Cameron Oliver dropped 16 and seven rebounds.

The first half was dominated by opposite ends of the age spectrum — Ball (15 points), Sunday Dech (13), Andersen (12), and Boone (10) were the four Hawks in double digits by the halfway point — with Ball and Andersen in particular the chief destroyers.

Andersen wound the clock back 10 years, or more, with post moves of pure silk, and when the offence wasn’t running through him on the post, it was led by ESPN’s projected No. 1 NBA draft pick of 2020.

Ball showed by far his best form of the young season with flashy behind-the-back dimes and sizzling long bombs to have the hosts on the ropes, down 50-34 midway through the second quarter.

NBA scouts would have been salivating seeing the three ball drop, with the 18-year-old megastar clocking 4/6 from range by half-time, in concert with six brilliant assists.

[Author]

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