2021 Draft: Warriors could atone for LaMelo Ball miss

Earlier in the week, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball was named NBA Rookie of the Year for the 2020/21 season. The 6 ft 6 playmaker was available for the Golden State Warriors at pick two in the 2020 draft, however, the Warriors chose to address their front court needs by taking big man James Wiseman.

Although their fortunes may change as their careers progress, early evidence suggests the Warriors may have made a mistake, particularly given their desire to be a championship contender whilst the older core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson remain.

Fortunately for the Warriors, their likely upcoming draft position means they may have the ability to atone for the Ball miss.

The Golden State Warriors dropped the ball in the 2020 NBA Draft, but they can right their wrongs this time around.

Although not as publicized nor projected to be drafted as high as Ball was, Australian Josh Giddey presents a raft of similarities that may entice the Warriors front office.

Both players competed in Australia’s NBL in their pre-draft season, whilst also being very similar from a playing standpoint.

Profile Comparison

Ball is already considered one of the league’s most gifted passers and playmakers, a skill he’d been well noted for from a young age. His height and length give him the ability to see over opposition defenses, allowing him to dish out 6.1 assists per game over his rookie NBA season.

Like Ball, Giddey has a slim, wiry frame. At 6 ft 8 he has a couple of inches on Ball, whilst also possessing a similar playmaking feel. In ESPN’s draft rankings, Giddey was labeled an ‘outstanding ball-handler’ and described as “arguably the best passer in the draft in terms of vision, creativity and awareness”.

Although both players are lightly framed, their height and athleticism make them excellent rebounders for the guard position. Ball averaged 5.9 rebounds across his rookie campaign, whilst Giddey was a top-five rebounder in the NBL at 7.4 per game.

Although Ball shot the three-ball at a healthy 35% this season, his outside shot and overall scoring ability were a major question mark prior to the 2020 draft. Similarly, ESPN has stated Giddey as “not the most prolific or efficient scorer at this point”.

Although their length may allow them to become reasonable defenders in time, both players lack of strength makes them poor defenders at this stage of their development.

NBL Comparison

Giddey gained greater exposure at the NBL level, playing 28 games compared to Ball whose season the year before was cut short after 12 games.

Although Ball averaged 17 points compared to Giddey’s 10.9, the former was much more aggressive taking 16.7 field goal attempts including 6.7 three-point attempts. On the other hand, Giddey took just 9.5 field goal attempts per game including 3.5 three-point attempts.

They both shot the ball poorly percentage-wise. Giddey had shooting splits of 43/29/70, whilst Ball’s were 38/25/72.

They both demonstrated their playmaking and rebounding abilities, a combination that allowed them to record multiple triple-doubles during their respective seasons. Giddey finished with 7.5 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game, whilst Ball recorded 6.8 assists and 7.6 rebounds.

If the Warriors feel like they missed out on Ball, they may have the realistic opportunity to draft a similar type this time around. Giddey is currently ranked 13 in ESPN’s draft rankings, with the Warriors own first round pick likely to be at 14.

With Cade Cunningham a likely top-three pick and the Warriors unlikely to have access to him, Giddey seems like the best option should they opt for a taller playmaking guard.

The NBA draft lottery takes place next Wednesday whilst the draft takes place on the 29th of July.