It is the question on most NBA GM’s minds, and in ALL our thoughts when we think of the upcoming NBA draft. Who is going to be #1, Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball? While thinking over my opinion, I am going to show you the facts, and why (someone) should be the number #1 pick and who will have a better career.
Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball, in my opinion, is the most clutch player in the country and best play-maker but what do I know?
Ball averages 15ppg, 7.6APG, 6 REB, and 2 Steals per game for the UCLA Bruins this year. Stats are nit-picky though when looking at the large picture. Ball has been unreal this year, even when he can’t score or is struggling to find the basket (See Win at ASU. 4pts, 11REB, 5AST, 2STL). His ability to impact a game in every aspect is something that Fultz(IMO)lacks. While NBA scouts have said his athleticism is not where it needs to be, but it hasn’t hindered him? Has it?
Okay, time to talk about Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz. Here's why talk about Ball's athleticism baffle me. pic.twitter.com/M6iPyfsKKr
— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) February 6, 2017
Another “weakness” that has hampered him is the lack of a pull-up shot and his long three-point shot. Against Fultz, he succeeded all night as shown.
Ball can hit that shot catch-and-shoot style, too. pic.twitter.com/mfUp6YPZ5N
— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) February 6, 2017
As for Ball, any concerns about unorthodox shot alleviated by fact he can hit it from far beyond the line. pic.twitter.com/Moc9iM0715
— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) February 6, 2017
Ball would finish with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block against the Huskies. Ball would dominate this game and showcase his game against Fultz on February 4th.
Markelle Fultz
In the highly anticipated game against UCLA and more importantly Lonzo Ball, Fultz would struggle to find his groove. Fultz’s Huskies got blown out, and it was never close. Fultz’s hype has suffered this season because of sub-par teammates and lack of skill in total on the UW team. Fultz would finish with 25 points, 5 assists, 5 turnovers, and 3 steals. While Fultz is the better scorer of the two as shown below..
This shot by Fultz absolutely plays at the next level. pic.twitter.com/Fm4LhaUCpY
— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) February 6, 2017
Fultz can’t compare to Ball because of the lack of quality wins/moments/teammates. His teammates have been, ummm…yea
Meanwhile, worth wondering what Fultz's numbers look like with in-sync teammates. pic.twitter.com/S3JDP7Xrwd
— Howard Megdal (@howardmegdal) February 6, 2017
Sub par to say the least. While the season has been on-par with Ben Simmons at LSU, Fultz is still widely considered the better pick by scouts. I HEAVILY disagree (not an NBA scout) with this because of Ball’s impact on the court. When UCLA needs a clutch play his teammates recognize his ability to create and impact the game. Ball has a better overall package then Fultz for the NBA, but Fultz is the better scorer. Get Fultz on a better team, then we will be able to compare the two more closely.
Final Opinion:
In my opinion, the draft will go Fultz, then Ball. If I were the GM and had the number 1 pick, I would take Ball, but with the current opinion on Fultz Vs. Ball it will go to Fultz. With the recent news of Ball’s father ruining his son’s stock, we could see another example of bad parenting impact Lonzo’s career. To Mr. Ball: SHUT UP! You are not doing anything good for Lonzo!