Wednesday night was a moment in time that 60 young men waited their entire life to experience. Virtually, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed a new crop of young prospects to the world's top basketball league.
Anthony Edwards of the University of Georgia and James Wiseman of the University of Memphis highlighted the night's festivities. Following closely behind, a familiar face emerged via the virtual broadcast. With the third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected LaMelo Ball of Australia's National Basketball League. Ball will join his older brother, Lonzo, who was drafted second in the 2017 NBA Draft. Together, they have made history as the first brothers to be drafted in the top five of the NBA Draft.
Standing at 6'7, Ball is one of the league's most promising young guards. With his creative offensive skill and passing ability, many think he could be the star that the Charlotte squad needs.
"If I could pour just two or three ounces of Michael Jordan's killer will in LaMelo Ball, the kid would one day win an MVP and carry Charlotte to an NBA Finals. At 6-7, LaMelo is that gifted as a passer and creative scorer," Skip Bayless of FOX Sports tweeted.
Ball will join a rising Hornets squad led by Devonte Graham. The team finished six games out of the playoffs with a record of 23-42. With Graham and Terry Rozier returning, Ball could be the missing piece that helps the Hornets sneak into the playoffs next season.
Alongside LaMelo Ball, his dad, Lavar Ball, was also making headlines on Wednesday night. His youngest son's new team is owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. Previously, Lavar Ball caught flack for saying that he could be the Hornets owner in a game of one-on-one. Jordan never responded, but some believe that the game could actually happen now for the enjoyment of fans.
"I'm not kidding, I believe LaVar Ball will hear from Michael Jordan one time. Michael Jordan's assistant will inform LaVar that he should show up at LaMelo's first practice and come ready to play basketball," Bayless added.
Either way, it looks like fans will have a lot more fun with the Ball family being in the Queen City. The Hornets will open their season on December 22.
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