Detroit’s own Jalen Rose said that the Golden State Warriors told LaMelo Ball he’d be their pick after Anthony Edwards went #1 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Rose stated he was on the very next call after LaMelo Ball was contacted by the Dubs. As time ticked down, it looked as if the team would be adding yet another guard to their rotation. LaMelo Ball himself even posted a video holding two fingers up expecting the selection. Ultimately, the team selected Memphis big man James Wiseman. Ball would obviously get scooped up with the next pick and head to Charlotte.

Rose Liked the Wiseman Pick Better

While Rose broke the news of the Warriors going back on their word to LaMelo, he agreed with the team’s pick. Rose stated the team needed real height to go up against the likes of Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert. Wiseman gives the team a true center rather than a point-forward at the 5 in Draymond Green. In 26 games, he has averaged about 12 points, six rebounds, and one block per game shooting 51% from the field and 37% from deep.

What Changes if LaMelo Went to the Warriors?

The surplus of guards and the need for a big ultimately pushed Golden State to draft Wiseman. However, what if Ball became a Warrior? If he was not coming off the bench in a sixth-man role, he might have been converted to shooting guard. It would have been incredibly fun to watch the lengthy LaMelo and the deadly Steph Curry in the same backcourt.

If LaMelo went to SanFran, would the team have still felt the need to trade for Kelly Oubre? Does that make it so the Suns do not pursue Chris Paul via trade? Where does CP3 head and is it for the same return OKC got from Phoenix? There are many questions and a separate series of events in the Association if the pick happens.

The Hornets Were Better for LaMelo Ball

The Hornets, who would later add Gordon Hayward in free agency, were a great place for LaMelo. The team allows him to be the primary option at guard. In Charlotte, there is much less of a desire to win. Ball can make mistakes, learn, and grow in a smaller market. The budding star is showing Pistons fans why they really wanted him. LaMelo Ball currently averages about 16 points, six rebounds, and around six assists per game for the Hornets.