NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 19: March Madness edition

The Ball family member you’ve probably heard the most about recently is the patriarch, Lavar. Lonzo Ball’s father has made a habit of getting in the news recently with preposterous statements about shoe deals, playing one-on-one with Michael Jordan and his younger son’s NBA futures. That all could be set to change soon as Lonzo leads UCLA into the NCAA Tournament as a No. 3 seed in the South Region.

As a freshman, Ball has fundamentally reshaped the Bruins. The team lost more games than it won last season, but it’s now a Final Four contender with many of the same pieces. Ball’s ability to facilitate unselfishly has been critical. He’s an elite passer who works to put his teammates in excellent spots to score. Ball leads the country with 7.7 assists per game. it’s a skill that should translate really well in the NBA.

There are concerns about Ball’s game, though. His individual ability to create, namely whether or not he has a quick enough first step to beat an NBA defender is a question mark. His shooting motion may also make it tough for him to pull up off the dribble, but there’s no denying what Ball has done for the UCLA program.

The Bruins’ second round game, a potential meeting with Cincinnati, could be fun. The Bearcats are tough and athletic. How Ball responds could be were noting for how he’ll translate to the NBA.

Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.