Another Ball Brother, another Lavar Ball marketing campaign. Can I just say that LaVar Ball is a marketing genius? He basically had more interviews than Lonzo Ball when he was getting drafted. LaVar Ball somehow willed Lonzo Ball to the Lakers. He said outlandish things to get all the media to focus on the Ball family. Say what you want about him but this guy knows there is no such thing as bad press. LaVar Ball now has his youngest son in LaMelo Ball getting ready to be drafted. As he willed his way for Lonzo to go to the Lakers, he is now trying to will his way for the Warriors to NOT draft him. When asked about the fit of LaMelo and the Warriors, he had this to say via NBC Sports:
“That’s the part I don’t like about Golden State,” LaVar said on the Say Less with Kaz podcast. “They got Klay and the other guys, and now you want to put Melo in that mix to say you got to follow these guys. Melo ain’t no follower. He don’t need to do what they do, let them do they thing.
“There’s a reason you are looking at my son. He’s talented and can play the game. It ain’t that hard. Guy is open, and you pass it to them. You open and you been working on your shot? Shoot the ball. It’s fast-paced, it’s good. But don’t be like Melo got to his turn and wait for two or three years to go by and learn from the veterans. Ain’t about that. Can you play or not?
“And when you special, how do you coach somebody special? You just enjoy it, and they special because of the things they do. Enjoy it. Let him do what he does.”
Strong words from LaVar Ball. He is absolutely right. For LaMelo, that could be one of the worst moves for him. He will be a star with a team that already has established stars. Sure, he can learn under them, but LaMelo is already good. He needs to go to another team so he can branch out and do what he needs to do. I think LaMelo Ball is the best prospect in this draft. While for the Warriors, drafting LaMelo just means they get so much better, for LaMelo it might not be the best move. James Harden didn’t branch out and become his own Superstar until he got traded to the Rockets. LaMelo Ball might not ever be James Harden, but he might have a chance if he doesn’t have to be on a team with such crowded talent.
While some criticize these comments saying that LaMelo and frankly LaVar Ball should want to win, it is different if you’re the main guy in charge. People criticize Kevin Durant because he went to the Warriors to win, and he did. But it is considered a weak move despite being the best player on the team. LaMelo Ball won’t be the best player on the Warriors but any winning he does will be because of the Warriors themselves. Could you imagine if he somehow got the Knicks to the playoffs? He would be a national treasure in New York.
Why do you think players like Damian Lillard stay with the Blazers despite not winning a title? They want to win one as the main guy. It’s an ambitious effort and it isn’t for anyone. If LaMelo Ball wants to try to turn some bad franchises around, who are we to stop him? Praise to LaVar Ball for preaching. Let the LaMelo hype get real!
