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NBA Draft 2020: 5 best fits for LaMelo Ball

By Rucker Haringey

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks takes a shot during the round six NBL match between the Cairns Taipans and the Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre on November 09, 2019 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: LaMelo Ball of the Hawks takes a shot during the round six NBL match between the Cairns Taipans and the Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre on November 09, 2019 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images) /
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LaMelo Ball
RJ Barrett, New York Knicks, Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images /

2. New York Knicks

RJ Barrett showed some signs of promise in his rookie season, but the New York Knicks desperately need to acquire a point guard who can take the pressure off the young wing. With all due respect to Elfrid Payton, he is not that player.

Neither is Frank Ntilikina. That’s why Ball makes so much sense for the Knicks: He can come right in and run the show. They aren’t going to be legitimate playoff contenders in 2020-21 no matter what. That would give Ball a chance to learn through repetition at the NBA level.

There are, understandably, concerns about Ball’s ability to thrive in the biggest media market in the league. The Knicks have never been a franchise that shies away from more attention. That makes securing Ball a win for New York both on and off the court.

His ability to be a flamboyant playmaker gives him a chance to endear himself to the faithful fans who still fill up Madison Square Garden on a regular basis. That ability also gives the chance to form a meaningful core around Ball and Barrett. The Knicks won’t hesitate to draft Ball if they get the opportunity to do so.

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