Hornets select LaMelo Ball with No. 3 overall pick in 2020 NBA Draft

The Charlotte Hornets had the third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and selected G LaMelo Ball on Wednesday night virtually from ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. The Hornets got lucky in the draft lottery and jumped from the 9th slot to 3rd overall. Charlotte finished last season 23-42, missing the postseason and the NBA restart in the bubble. Let’s break down their first-round pick and what it means for the roster and in fantasy basketball.

Fantasy Basketball Analysis

Ball, who is the younger brother of New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball, is arguably the best player and guard in the 2020 NBA Draft Class. LaMelo is a playmaker, who can both the one and two in the backcourt.

In his only season in the NBL with Illawara Hawks, Ball averaged 17.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 31.3 minutes per game. He also shot a pedestrian 37.5 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range, which needs to improve in the NBA.

The NBL Rookie of the Year is joining a Hornets team that is looking for a franchise player and he could be that guy. He is also joining an explosive backcourt with Terry Rozier and Devonte Graham. Ball will have the opportunity to create plays and develop with the young core of Graham, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington (last year’s first round selection).