The Golden State Warriors have the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, but if we’re honest, no one expects them to use the pick despite being less than a month away from the draft.
The Warriors have shown interest in multiple perspectives from Deni Avdija to Tyrese Haliburton.
One player they haven’t shown much love to is point guard LaMelo Ball. Ball hasn’t gotten much interest from the Golden State Warriors, a franchise his father doesn’t want him to end up with. It’s simple: his father wants him to be a star.
In New York, if he can handle the spotlight, he could instantly be the creator of one of the NBA’s worst offenses. The Knicks need that Carmelo Anthony-like star to support their fans. Ball, which has an elite direction, could be next in line for the kingdom of the Big Apple.
Ball’s main flaws are centered around his decision making, his strength, and his shot. Ball wasn’t an efficient player while in Australia, so getting into the sport’s top flight at full capacity could make his rookie season a difficult period of adjustment.
The Knicks also have the resources the Warriors want. They would probably love to get their hands on another better choice in the 2021 draft.
Obviously, choice no. 8 wouldn’t be enough, and with the potential cap fluctuation, simply accepting a “bad” contract won’t help much. The Warriors must force their hand and get the resource they want.
The Knicks 2021 first-round pick should be the only deal Golden State makes instantly, but with the top-tier talent available then and the Knicks not even a marginal playoff team with Ball, that deal is pretty unlikely.
That’s where the two teams figuratively are, and that’s where they’ll stay as Golden State shouldn’t have much interest in any of the Knicks’ young talents (other than perhaps Mitchell Robinson) or their older veterans.
Robinson, no. 8 and Mavs 2021 first-round pick may move the ball, but it looks like a deal the Knicks would likely retire from two first-round picks and one of the league’s most efficient players may be a little too much for Ball.