Charlotte Hornets: 5 potential NBA Draft lottery prospects to target

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New Zealand LaMelo Ball. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images) /

LaMelo Ball

That’s right, LaMelo Ball is going to make Big Baller Brand even more popular, as he’s got a lot more upside compared to his older brother Lonzo Ball. This prospect does not play in college, but he’s put up some good numbers internationally.

For a guard, Ball has great size, as he stands at 6’8 and is able to play both guard positions. Unlike his older brother Lonzo, LaMelo has a better-looking jump shot that should transfer well into the NBA.

Ball last played in the NBL-Australia league for the Illawarra Hawks; he was named the NBL Rookie of the Year. However, Ball left the Hawks on January 28th to return to the United States to prepare for the 2020 NBA Draft.

While Ball was with the Illawarra Hawks, he averaged 17.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 7.6 rebounds per game. Ball’s play makes him an ideal triple-double threat.

Ball has a monster 7’3 wingspan that can assist him in guarding taller players and attempting to steal the basketball. His length helped him to average 1.6 steals per game for his international team this season.

Leading up to the NBA Draft, Ball’s draft stock should rise, as he’s got a lot of talent that could help many young teams. If Charlotte drafts him, then they would likely consider him their point guard of the future.