Warriors vs Hornets may give stern reminder about 2020 draft mistake
The Golden State Warriors could have the Big 3 running with one of the league’s premier young stars, LaMelo Ball. However, they chose fit over unproven potential, and it’s not coming back to bit them.
The Warriors desperately needed a center, and after trading D’Angelo Russell seemingly due to his fit prior to the 2020 trade deadline, adding Ball would’ve raised some eyebrows to that entire situation.
The Golden State Warriors will take on the surging Hornets on Wednesday, and they’ll get a stern reminder about how good LaMelo Ball has become.
Nonetheless, the Warriors went for fit, but it’s not like James Wiseman was a bad pick at the time. He just might not have been the one with the most clear-cut path to stardom. Also, the Warriors system hasn’t typically thrived on pick-and-roll but rather movement and shooting.
Wiseman was a top-three prospect and was the top recruit coming out of high school. The 7-footer played just three games at Memphis before conflicts within his recruitment came to life, and he opted to prepare for the NBA instead of continuing his collegiate career.
That put Wiseman a little bit behind the ball.
At that same time, Ball was competing in the NBL, the top Australian league. While his numbers weren’t great and had many wondering how his game would translate to the NBA, he was getting reps in regardless of his efficiency.
Ball was taken third overall, right behind Wiseman. He’s immediately become a star, dazzling with his handles and passing. Now in his second year, Ball is averaging 20.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.
While he’s shooting 43 percent from the field, Ball is topping 44 percent from deep. Add that type of efficiency to the Warriors backcourt, and you’d have a contender that would be difficult for opponents to handle.
Wiseman has reportedly bulked up, and he is expected to also take a step in the right direction this season. Having yet to play, Wiseman is nearing a return to the court, and that could silence this conversation.
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However, the Warriors, for now, will consistently be reminded about who they missed out on whenever Charlotte comes to town.