LaMelo Ball, the number one prospect on my big board for the 2020 NBA Draft, has just signed with Puma. Ball first announced this decision on Instagram, then reiterated it today on ESPN’s show Jalen and Jacoby. Ball will immediately become one of the faces of the growing brand. He will join NBA players Deandre Ayton and Michael Porter Jr as the Puma family’s newest member. In a statement today, Ball said:
“I believe the brand is the perfect partner for me because Puma will allow me to just be myself. I want to be 100 percent authentic, whether that’s playing basketball or showing off my personal style, and that’s what I want to do with Puma.”
LaMelo Ball via ESPN
This decision marks the end of LaMelo’s tenure with the Big Baller Brand. The company, started by his father, LaVar, was the producer of Ball’s first sneaker, the MB1. LaMelo’s older brother Lonzo has already left the Big Baller Brand, so LaMelo will now be following in his footsteps.
Ball is one of the top prospects in this draft class and will likely become a top-three draft selection. He is arguably the best playmaker in this draft and grabs all fans’ attention due to his flashy passes and dribbling combinations. Ball is rumored to be the Timberwolves’ top priority with the first pick if they do not trade down.
The draft, set for November 18, should be a big day for the Puma brand. They would love LaMelo to land with Minnesota as the number one pick or with Golden State at the second slot. Even a spot like Chicago at the fourth selection should benefit Ball and Puma, as he will likely draw more media attention playing for a big market team. Ball and Puma will continue improving the Puma brand once he is in the NBA next month.
