Ball adds team to predraft interview list, but not Bulls originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
LaMelo Ball continued to play coy when asked which NBA teams he’s had pre 2020 draft communication with in an appearance on ESPN’s Jalen & Jacoby.
“I think I had just two teams, the Knicks and Warriors,” Ball said on the program. “And that was just a little Zoom call.”
Pressed about each team’s interest in drafting him, Ball reiterated his stance from his NBA Draft Combine media availability session: “Hopefully everybody is (interested in drafting me). I mean, to be honest, I’m ready to just go out and play.”
The Knicks own the No. 8 pick in this year’s draft, the Warriors No. 2. Speaking with reporters over Zoom as part of the virtual combine, Ball denied or deflected questions related to team-specific interviews except to confirm talks with the Knicks.
The Warriors, then, appear to be a fresh addition to the mix.
Notably missing, of course, is the Bulls, who own the No. 4 pick this year and could be in the market for a lead guard of Ball’s unique skill set and versatility.
“No, I haven’t had any contact with them,” Ball said when asked at the combine about his communication with the Bulls. “And fit in? I feel like I’ll fit in anywhere.”
Perhaps this is all a smoke screen. Perhaps Ball won’t even fall to Chicago. The mystery of his aim and intrigue of his game are all part of the package.
