2020 NBA Draft: LaMelo Ball picked as third overall pick by Hornets, fans say 'was hoping he would go #1'
The Charlotte Hornets have picked LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 point guard is regarded as one of the best passers in the draft. According to CBS' Sam Quinn, Ball is looked at as a gifted ball-handler and will be an offensive threat.
Here are his quick thoughts on the PG: "Ball's passing is the main attraction, but his upside as a scorer is what made him a top pick. He is a gifted ball-handler, and at his size, he should be able to attack the basket effectively, and while his shooting form is as funky as his brother's, he projects as at least a passable long-range marksman. That size offers an enormous upside for a guard defensively. That hasn't translated on the floor quite yet, and his shot-selection needs work, but Ball's raw talent made him a clear top pick in this class."
"Honestly think we should've drafted Hayes. Wonder how much no/limited fans played into the Melo pick. Think we get a decent amount of national games now, could be extra $$," read one of the tweets soon after the pick.
Honestly think we should've drafted Hayes. Wonder how much no/limited fans played into the Melo pick. Think we get a decent amount of national games now, could be extra $$
— AJ Shahin (@AJaxShahin) November 19, 2020
Ball fans had every reason to rejoice. "I have always been a Ball family supporter. Can't wait to watch Melo play. He is so special and by far the most talented" read one of the comments.
I have always been a Ball family supporter. Can't wait to watch Melo play. He is so special and by far the most talented
— Cierra Fradiska (@cierracenae) November 19, 2020
"Bruh, Charlotte? From all the NBA franchises, Melo got drafted to the hornets this is beyond me," opined one of the fans who felt he deserved better.
Bruh, Charlotte? From all the NBA franchises, Melo got drafted to the hornets 😅 this is beyond me
— 🇨🇩🇨🇩 (@jakemarcelo12) November 19, 2020
"was hoping melo would go #1 overall but so happy to see all these players' lives change rn," remarked one of the fans.
was hoping melo would go #1 overall but so happy to see all these players' lives change rn
— Gary (@RageElixir) November 19, 2020
Ball comes in with ample recognition — NBL Rookie of the Year (2020), JBA champion (2018) and JBA All-Star (2018). He suited up for the Chino Hills High School in Chino Hills, California, in his freshman season and notched up 27 points as a starter. In his sophomore season, Ball scored 92 points in a win over Los Osos High School creating a record for the second-most single-game points in California high school history.
The 2020 NBA Draft can be watched live on ESPN and ESPN+