Lonzo Ball

[Jockey]

Is this guy overrated? Every mock I have seen has him going #1 or #2. But, he was only the 3rd best guard on the floor last night behind Monk and Fox.

I see the super, Rhonda Rowsey-type hype on the guy and it makes me wonder. He will probably be an NBA all-star and he has great court awareness, but I see guys that look better.

But, his shot is absolutely brutal. Makes jjj's shooting form as a freshman look textbook by comparison.

I would take Fultz, Monk, Fox, Tatum, and Jackson all ahead of Ball as this could be one of the best draft classes in a long time. There could be as many as 8-10 future all-stars here.

[4everwarriors]

Don't no 'bout Lonzo, man. Butt, his old man has a grate future in stand up comedy, hey?

[wadesworld]

I think he's the 3rd best point guard in this draft. As bad as his shot form is at least it goes in. Fox will need to develop his shot a tooooon to be much more than TJ Ford in the NBA.

[reinko]

Kid is a hooper, ignore the dad. 

[GGGG]

That shot is not going to work in the NBA.  However his vision is pretty darn good.  Worth a high level pick IMO.

[GoldenDieners32]

Kid is a hooper, ignore the dad. 

+1

[GooooMarquette]

Yeah he can play.

Don't let last night convince you that Monk and Fox are better.  Ball just won frosh of the year, so they both played like they had something to prove.  That can work for a game, but probably not for a career....

[MU82]

That shot is not going to work in the NBA.  However his vision is pretty darn good.  Worth a high level pick IMO.

I am absolutely not predicting he'll be the next Magic ... but many said almost this exact same thing about Magic.

If Ball is a hard-working kid, he will develop a shot that will work in the NBA. He already has amazing court sense, and that is a true gift that is almost impossible to learn.

Heck, even JJJ's shot got improved markedly through hard work.

I'd take Ball in a heartbeat.

I do love Fox, though. And Monk reminds me a little of Bradley Beal.

[GoldenDieners32]

I think there are some really great prospects in the draft(tatum,monk,fox,fultz) but i still think lonzo is better. I think he can impact a team right away

[wadesworld]

Based on this thread Dennis Smith will be the most overlooked player in this draft by a good margin.  And then Lauri Markkanan.

[GoldenDieners32]

Based on this thread Dennis Smith will be the most overlooked player in this draft by a good margin.  And then Lauri Markkanan.

this year's draft is loaded with talented guards

[Jockey]

I think there are some really great prospects in the draft(tatum,monk,fox,fultz) but i still think lonzo is better. I think he can impact a team right away

I think Lonzo will be the best rookie - but I don't know if he will be the best long-term.

[Jockey]

Based on this thread Dennis Smith will be the most overlooked player in this draft by a good margin.  And then Lauri Markkanan.

Smith would easily be a Top 3 guy in a normal year.

[Eldon]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/the-lavar-ball-crying-jordan-memes-are-here-following-uclas-loss-to-kentucky-040127750.html

[tower912]

Jason Kidd, with a little more height.    If he fixes his jumper, his ceiling will be higher.   

[GGGG]

Jason Kidd, with a little more height.    If he fixes his jumper, his ceiling will be higher.   

Higher than one of the top 10 point guards in NBA history?

[wadesworld]

Higher than one of the top 10 point guards in NBA history?

Agreed.  I don't think he'll be close to Jason Kidd.

[MU82]

Higher than one of the top 10 point guards in NBA history?

This is what's known as "recency bias." And I tend to agree that Ball won't be an all-time great.

Still, it does end up happening sometimes. I mean, there were a lot of people back in 2003 saying stuff like, "LeBron looks like he'll be good, obviously, but these yahoos predicting he'll be an all-time great must be smokin' some strong crack."

[JWags85]

I think Ball's floor is Rajon Rondo, without the locker room cancer element and being a general malcontent.  From all reports, he's a good kid and a great teammate, regardless of how his father acts.  He has the length, passing ability, and floor vision of Rondo.  His shot is wonky, but Id argue he's a better scorer than Rondo.

[MU82]

I think Ball's floor is Rajon Rondo, without the locker room cancer element and being a general malcontent.  From all reports, he's a good kid and a great teammate, regardless of how his father acts.  He has the length, passing ability, and floor vision of Rondo.  His shot is wonky, but Id argue he's a better scorer than Rondo.

Reasonable.

[GoldenDieners32]

If he has the work ethic to be the best player he can possibly be i can definitely see him as one of the best in the league and maybe eventually considered top 10 all time

[WarriorFan]

He's another Victor Oladipo.  Media loves him, bad shot... but if he fixes it, could have a decent career and start on a bad team.

[rocket surgeon]

now "zo" is better than markelle and on and on and...

  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2700493-lonzo-ball-says-hes-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-markelle-fultz

  i mean, come on man!  really? and he's gonna be better than steph...and he's gonna be better than magic...seriously?  is this what it's come down to today?  ok, gotta love the passion, right? nope!  it's stupid.  just go out and show us!  anyone gonna bring all these quotes up if he DOESN'T live up to all this hype?  why create anymore pressure?  i know, just put lonzo and markelle and whoever else out there at half court and see who's "stream" is the furthest.  then, the winner has something to brag about heyn'a?

[Herman Cain]

Is this guy overrated? Every mock I have seen has him going #1 or #2. But, he was only the 3rd best guard on the floor last night behind Monk and Fox.

I see the super, Rhonda Rowsey-type hype on the guy and it makes me wonder. He will probably be an NBA all-star and he has great court awareness, but I see guys that look better.

But, his shot is absolutely brutal. Makes jjj's shooting form as a freshman look textbook by comparison.

I would take Fultz, Monk, Fox, Tatum, and Jackson all ahead of Ball as this could be one of the best draft classes in a long time. There could be as many as 8-10 future all-stars here.

The court Awareness and vision can't be taught . That combined with ability to play at high speed is what makes him valuable . As to the shot, Keith Wilkes a UCLA great many years had a very awkward shot and he went on to be an NBA All Star and earn many rings.

[forgetful]

now "zo" is better than markelle and on and on and...

  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2700493-lonzo-ball-says-hes-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-markelle-fultz

  i mean, come on man!  really? and he's gonna be better than steph...and he's gonna be better than magic...seriously?  is this what it's come down to today?  ok, gotta love the passion, right? nope!  it's stupid.  just go out and show us!  anyone gonna bring all these quotes up if he DOESN'T live up to all this hype?  why create anymore pressure?  i know, just put lonzo and markelle and whoever else out there at half court and see who's "stream" is the furthest.  then, the winner has something to brag about heyn'a?

His 3-star younger brother (not even in the top 100) is also offended and finds it absurd that he wasn't a McDonald's All-American.  Family is a little nuts.

[rocket surgeon]

i guess i thought only daddy was the one who had taken a few too many "head shots" during his illustrious athletic career but now it looks to be contagious and the apple tree is being fruitful.  the other 2?  oh you wait, the campaign has only begun.  daddy wants to cash in

[reinko]

now "zo" is better than markelle and on and on and...

  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2700493-lonzo-ball-says-hes-a-better-nba-draft-prospect-than-markelle-fultz

  i mean, come on man!  really? and he's gonna be better than steph...and he's gonna be better than magic...seriously?  is this what it's come down to today?  ok, gotta love the passion, right? nope!  it's stupid.  just go out and show us!  anyone gonna bring all these quotes up if he DOESN'T live up to all this hype?  why create anymore pressure?  i know, just put lonzo and markelle and whoever else out there at half court and see who's "stream" is the furthest.  then, the winner has something to brag about heyn'a?

When you are a top 3 Draft NBA talent, I would hope he believes and even says he is better than the guys in front of them.  It's a big deal to be the #1 pick in the draft.

Everything I have read and seen from Lonzo, is he is a baller, no issues with his teammates, actually focuses on his team getting better, rather than putting 40 shots a game.  As I said earlier, ignore the dad, the kid can play at a high level.

[wadesworld]

When you are a top 3 Draft NBA talent, I would hope he believes and even says he is better than the guys in front of them.  It's a big deal to be the #1 pick in the draft.

Everything I have read and seen from Lonzo, is he is a baller, no issues with his teammates, actually focuses on his team getting better, rather than putting 40 shots a game.  As I said earlier, ignore the dad, the kid can play at a high level.

NBA scouts left the UCLA vs. Kentucky game less than impressed with Ball.  And it had nothing to do with his basketball skills.

[reinko]

NBA scouts left the UCLA vs. Kentucky game less than impressed with Ball.  And it had nothing to do with his basketball skills.

Cite?

Also, if a team is spooked off because his dad, they deserve to be continually in the lottery and in the basement of the league.

[wadesworld]

Cite?

Also, if a team is spooked off because his dad, they deserve to be continually in the lottery and in the basement of the league.

While NBA teams want nothing to do with his dad, it had everything to do with Ball and nothing to do with his dad.

He'll still go top 5 so it doesn't really matter.

[reinko]

While NBA teams want nothing to do with his dad, it had everything to do with Ball and nothing to do with his dad.

He'll still go top 5 so it doesn't really matter.

I guess, I am just confused, in your quote above, it said it had everything to with Ball, and nothing to do with his dad.

But also, two posts down, you said it had nothing to do with his basketball skills.

Not trying to be an ass but just interested...in the article you read, it had nothing to do with basketball or his dad, but nonetheless came away unimpressed.  Character, effort, coaching issues?

[wadesworld]

I guess, I am just confused, in your quote above, it said it had everything to with Ball, and nothing to do with his dad.

But also, two posts down, you said it had nothing to do with his basketball skills.

Not trying to be an ass but just interested...in the article you read, it had nothing to do with basketball or his dad, but nonetheless came away unimpressed.  Character, effort, coaching issues?

I know a couple of people that work/have worked in UCLA's athletics in some way.  They all say Lonzo is a pretty good kid, but the dad is as bad as advertised, if not worse, and nobody wants to touch him.

But in the UK vs. UCLA game and after, from what I heard scouts weren't impressed with his perceived lack of desire on the court and his comments after it.  They thought he looked fairly indifferent and like he just wanted to get on with the next step and be an NBA player.  They liked what they saw from the UK players more than what they saw from Ball in terms of on court mentality, effort, etc.

But talent wins out and Ball will almost certainly go higher than any of the UK guys.

[reinko]

I know a couple of people that work/have worked in UCLA's athletics in some way.  They all say Lonzo is a pretty good kid, but the dad is as bad as advertised, if not worse, and nobody wants to touch him.

But in the UK vs. UCLA game and after, from what I heard scouts weren't impressed with his perceived lack of desire on the court and his comments after it.  They thought he looked fairly indifferent and like he just wanted to get on with the next step and be an NBA player.  They liked what they saw from the UK players more than what they saw from Ball in terms of on court mentality, effort, etc.

But talent wins out and Ball will almost certainly go higher than any of the UK guys.

Gotcha, thanks for the info.

[rocket surgeon]

 i like the kid and picked ucla to go further into the tourney.  i wish the kid well, but-my opinion-i think he is being over-hyped.  if he played for "middle america" mid major or any other school out of the spotlight, he gets an atta boy and needs to work it a little more.  there are many other ballers that can do what he does, but they're not ucla or new yawk and they don't have a lavar.  yes, i know the nba can and will tell lavar to "f" off, but who needs or wants the headaches and the press/distractions that follow.  the show ain't gonna hand it to him.  either he swims or he...good luck lonzo

[MU82]

I know a couple of people that work/have worked in UCLA's athletics in some way.  They all say Lonzo is a pretty good kid, but the dad is as bad as advertised, if not worse, and nobody wants to touch him.

But in the UK vs. UCLA game and after, from what I heard scouts weren't impressed with his perceived lack of desire on the court and his comments after it.  They thought he looked fairly indifferent and like he just wanted to get on with the next step and be an NBA player.  They liked what they saw from the UK players more than what they saw from Ball in terms of on court mentality, effort, etc.

But talent wins out and Ball will almost certainly go higher than any of the UK guys.

Interesting.

I will say I really love watching the Fox kid from UK and I think he'll be an outstanding pro. I know ... this just in.

As an aside, the Giles kid from Duke went pro after averaging under 4 points per game as a freshman. So much for those who say this guy or that guy shouldn't go pro because "he's not ready." That has nothing to do with anything. Most of 'em aren't ready. Word is that Giles will still be a lottery pick. It's all about the potential they see.

[wadesworld]

Interesting.

I will say I really love watching the Fox kid from UK and I think he'll be an outstanding pro. I know ... this just in.

As an aside, the Giles kid from Duke went pro after averaging under 4 points per game as a freshman. So much for those who say this guy or that guy shouldn't go pro because "he's not ready." That has nothing to do with anything. Most of 'em aren't ready. Word is that Giles will still be a lottery pick. It's all about the potential they see.

I'm not 100% sold on Fox.  He's super thin and can't shoot a lick.  If he bulks up (not all that crazy of an idea given he's 19) and remakes his shot he will be outstanding.  If not he'll be a (hopefully healthy) bigger, better defending TJ Ford.  I actually think Giles has more upside than just about anybody in this draft.  Hopefully he can get and stay healthy.

http://247sports.com/Bolt/Watch-LeBron-James-mocks-Lonzo-Balls-shooting-form-52067913

And LBJ is petty as heck.  A 3 time NBA champ, 4 time NBA MVP, and a guy who lists himself on his own Mount Rushmore of NBA players is getting worked up about a 19 year old college kid who's never stepped foot in an NBA game.  Classic.

[forgetful]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/19097642/lavar-ball-casts-blame-ucla-bruins-white-guys

Apparently all his other actions were not crazy enough.  Wanted to up his game.

[wadesworld]

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/19097642/lavar-ball-casts-blame-ucla-bruins-white-guys

Apparently all his other actions were not crazy enough.  Wanted to up his game.

Yeah. DeAaron Fox schooling his own son had nothing to do with it.

[forgetful]

Yeah. DeAaron Fox schooling his own son had nothing to do with it.

That was just because of the Hamstring injury that no one knew about...and poor help defense from slow white guys. 

[4everwarriors]

Wearsda outrage four da old man's blatant racist remark? Kid'sa good playa. If I wuz a GM, woodant touch him wit a 10 ft. pole, hey?

[mu03eng]

That shot is not going to work in the NBA.  However his vision is pretty darn good.  Worth a high level pick IMO.

Why won't the shot work in the NBA at his height? If he were playing the 2 or 3 you'd have an issue because at 6'5" it could be blocked relatively easily. But he's going to be one, if not the tallest point guards in the NBA. The form looks bad, but it's quick and he shot 41% from 3 with it. He's the type of shooter you want in the NBA as a PG because he can distribute and drive very effectively so that if teams sag off he can hit the open 3.

Changing his form may do more harm than good at this point.

[JWags85]

And LBJ is petty as heck.  A 3 time NBA champ, 4 time NBA MVP, and a guy who lists himself on his own Mount Rushmore of NBA players is getting worked up about a 19 year old college kid who's never stepped foot in an NBA game.  Classic.

You mean the thinnest skinned superstar of all time?  This is like Apple reacting to a small start up questioning their technology by buying multiple prime time ad slots slamming them.  Laugh at the original comment and let it go dude.  My god.

[rocket surgeon]

Wearsda outrage four da old man's blatant racist remark? Kid'sa good playa. If I wuz a GM, woodant touch him wit a 10 ft. pole, hey?

saw that-what what what?? i love steve, i love bryce, i love...why some of my best friends are...stevie a. has got to get outta there.  can you imagine having to put up with la'var for another decade?  it's no wonder he likes ucla and alford-who else would put up with him? looks like the kids are going to have to give daddy a "time-out" 

[warriorchick]

LOL

http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/lonzo-balls-summer-league-debut-was-a-disaster-1796735360

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

I do feel bad for Lonzo, because he's mostly kept his mouth shut but those highlight videos we're still hilarious.

Also, if you dont think Lavar will have a negative effect on Lonzo think again. Just look at this Brice Johnson play.

https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/883516323602366465

After he dunks on him he turns around and stares him down and says something, and that's from a second year player.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

LOL

http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/lonzo-balls-summer-league-debut-was-a-disaster-1796735360

Most of those weren't even got looks. Woof

[buckchuckler]

LOL

http://screengrabber.deadspin.com/lonzo-balls-summer-league-debut-was-a-disaster-1796735360

Wow.  Bad summer league debut.  His career is over.

[StillAWarrior]

And he bounces back with a triple double.

[rocket surgeon]

lonzo out vs. de'arron round 1 due to groin injury.   say they'replay'in it safe...from what?  embarrassment?  i have a feeling this is going to be a long year for magic

  http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19956044/lonzo-ball-los-angeles-lakers-miss-matchup-vs-deaaron-fox-sacramento-kings-groin-injury

 

[MU82]

And he bounces back with a triple double.

While wearing Nikes, not Big Ballers!

[MU82]

Apparently, there was a huge crowd to see Lonzo's little brother in some AAU tournament and a lot of celebs couldn't even get in the door. On PTI today, they said LeBron was turned away. Kornheiser then said: "Among those who weren't turned away: Bill Self, Mark Few and Steve Wojciechowski."

There you have it. We're getting one of the Balls - and LaVar, too!!

Done deal!

[4everwarriors]

Too balls are always a good thin', ai na?

[JWags85]

Apparently, there was a huge crowd to see Lonzo's little brother in some AAU tournament and a lot of celebs couldn't even get in the door. On PTI today, they said LeBron was turned away. Kornheiser then said: "Among those who weren't turned away: Bill Self, Mark Few and Steve Wojciechowski."

There you have it. We're getting one of the Balls - and LaVar, too!!

Done deal!

Haha imagine that.  A couple high major coaches in the gym to see a marquee AAU game and random celebs interested in the spectacle couldnt, shocked i tell you!

[MU82]

Haha imagine that.  A couple high major coaches in the gym to see a marquee AAU game and random celebs interested in the spectacle couldnt, shocked i tell you!

Yeah, I'm not one who usually gets all giddy every time ESPN or some other outlet merely mentions our program. I just thought this was interesting. Plus, it was pretty good company for Wojo to be mentioned with.

[Jockey]

I see that Mr. Ball is going after women having the right to referee games, now.

I will not show him the respect to call him Lavar. The use of a single name should be reserved for people whose biggest accomplishment in life is greater than just having babies. Lebron, Michael, Steph, etc.

[warriorchick]

I see that Mr. Ball is going after women having the right to referee games, now.

I will not show him the respect to call him Lavar. The use of a single name should be reserved for people whose biggest accomplishment in life is greater than just having babies. Lebron, Michael, Steph, etc.

Technically, isn't using "Mr. Ball" more respectful than calling him by his first name?

[Jockey]

Technically, isn't using "Mr. Ball" more respectful than calling him by his first name?

"Technically", in the sports world where name recognition is everything - No.

[MU82]

I see that Mr. Ball is going after women having the right to referee games, now.

I will not show him the respect to call him Lavar. The use of a single name should be reserved for people whose biggest accomplishment in life is greater than just having babies. Lebron, Michael, Steph, etc.

O.J., Kobe, Tiki, Lance, A-Rod, T.O., Barry, Tiger, Latrell, Reggie.

[Jockey]

"Technically", in the sports world where name recognition is everything - No.

Maybe the poster was correct that Mr. Ball is still showing too much respect.

So, from now on, he will be either "Ms. Ball's significant other" or "Ms. Ball's +1"

[brewcity77]

Haha imagine that.  A couple high major coaches in the gym to see a marquee AAU game and random celebs interested in the spectacle couldnt, shocked i tell you!

The true irony being that the real attraction was the guy on the other team. Zion Williamson might be the best high school prospect in the country and the best player on that court, but everyone is talking about Balls.

[reinko]

90% of these responses are about other Balls than Lonzo, so why not give the 20 year old a chance and keep the Lavar talk separate?

As I said back in March.

Kid is a hooper, ignore the dad.

[rocket surgeon]

  can't wait to see "zo" take him to school, eyn'er?

[real chili 83]

Kobe and Michael.   Two world class pigs.

[Babybluejeans]

Give LaVar credit - he knows how to get him and his family famous in this era where fame is entirely divorced from talent (he can thank the Kardashians, among others). And everyone is eating it up. Hating the guy propels his fame forward just as much as loving him. Because in either case, you're talking about him, and that's all that matters. Surely helps that his kids are talented, but sadly that's almost a footnote in this story.

[MU82]

Give LaVar credit - he knows how to get him and his family famous in this era where fame is entirely divorced from talent (he can thank the Kardashians, among others). And everyone is eating it up. Hating the guy propels his fame forward just as much as loving him. Because in either case, you're talking about him, and that's all that matters. Surely helps that his kids are talented, but sadly that's almost a footnote in this story.

This.

It's a "LOOK AT ME!" world, from the leader of the free world all the way down to little 8-year-olds in the games I referee.

[rocket surgeon]

  " from the leader of the free world"

  you just can't help yourself?  even chicos is blushing

[brewcity77]

This.

It's a "LOOK AT ME!" world, from the leader of the free world all the way down to little 8-year-olds in the games I referee.

Why bring Angela Merkel into it?

[MU82]

  " from the leader of the free world"

  you just can't help yourself?  even chicos is blushing

It actually fit with this subject.

Who is chicos? Never heard of the guy.

[mu03eng]

It actually fit with this subject.

Who is chicos? Never heard of the guy.

Isn't he the guy that passed out at 31 Flavors last night? I guess he's pretty sick.

[MerrittsMustache]

ESPN may be a faltering and, at times, clueless network but they still have Jay Bilas.

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/20204846/lavar-ball-crossed-line-funny-carnival-barker-misogynist