LiAngelo Ball decides to enter 2018 NBA draft

[grownazzblakman]

UCLA suspended those 3 boys for the entire season. He wouldn't gotten any basketball experience throughout the season.

Liangelo got to run with professional men in Eastern Europe. He showed he can be an above average scorer. He was not an average in High School and he wouldn't been an average scorer in college if he got to play.

Gelo can become a JJ Riddick type with a post game.

Maybe not this year or the next, but Gelo can develop into a JJ Riddick type.

JJ Reddick with a post game? Nah, I doubt it.
Gelo has a quick release, but he doesn't run off screens as fast as Reddick does. Too slow.

Liangelo is like a much 'less athletic' version of Toby Bailey... without the 40+inch vertical hops.



At best, Gelo could hope to become the next version of Tracy Murray in the NBA.... with a much worse 'post game'.





The reason why Gelo would struggle in the NBA is because his offensive skills are just 'too limited' for his height & position.

He doesn't have enough footspeed to use ballscreens quickly... which makes him a pure 'catch-n-shoot 'jump shooter... who doesn't have a handle to speak of, to create his own shot off the dribble.

For Example: A player like Klay Thompson is hard to guard.... because you have to chase him around, all over the court, then around multiple screens & you cannot leave him alone, or he will stick an open jumper in your face... but he can also break defenders down 'off the dribble' and drive to the bucket & actually slam on someone's head, if he NEEDS to. And/or finish strong at the rim.

Meanwhile, JJ Reddick is known as a 'catch-n-shoot' type of NBA player.

However, he has 'enough handle' to execute a quick step-back move (and he is quick enough to use 2 or 3 different ballscreens) to create enough 'separation' to get his shot off.

Check out the video below. Don't watch the ball.
Focus on what JJ Reddick is doing away from the ball, or on the weakside.

- Watch his penetration to the rim & how he uses 'ball fakes'.
- Notice his ability to sink deep (off-balance) jumpers... 'even with contact'.
- Notice 'how fast' he uses ballscreens to get separation...
- Notice 'how fast' he can come off a CURL & put up a shot.
- Watch all the stuff JJ Reddick's does WITHOUT the ball in his hands.
- Watch how fast he moves (without the ball). All over the court.

THAT's what it takes to get your shot off (in the NBA) if you are purely just a 'catch-n-shoot' type of player.... and JJ Reddick is not even among 'the very best' in the league. And I'm not even 'a fan' of his.



Gelo doesn't do ANY of that stuff.
Gelo doesn't have that kind of footspeed. Too Slow.

He's not constantly running off ballscreens, like Reggie Miller.... or 'cooking ankles' in single (man-to-man) coverage, like James Harden does.

You never see any footage of Gelo breaking down a decent defender (off the dribble) from beyond the 3-point line, driving down the lane... and finishing strong at the rim. (Or finishing with contact. )

All of his 'highlight footage' consists of his teammates passing the ball around the perimeter a few times.... until he is able to take an uncontested (catch-n-shoot) deep jumper... or he's seen 'cherry picking' on a fast break... or he attempts to sink a few 'struggle buckets' in the paint.

His offense is just too limited for the NBA, imo.
Gelo's game is mostly a combination of deep jumpers + cherry picking + struggle buckets.

Just saying.

 

[roots69]

This whole Ball story has the feel as if its a reality show made for youtube!! This whole story just doesnt add up!!

 

[rNubb]

JJ Reddick with a post game? Nah, I doubt it.
Gelo has a quick release, but he doesn't run off screens as fast as Reddick does. Too slow.

Liangelo is like a much 'less athletic' version of Toby Bailey... without the 40+inch vertical hops.

At best, Gelo could hope to become the next version of Tracy Murray in the NBA.... with a much worse 'post game'.

The reason why Gelo would struggle in the NBA is because his offensive skills are just 'too limited' for his height & position.

He doesn't have enough footspeed to use ballscreens quickly... which makes him a pure 'catch-n-shoot 'jump shooter... who doesn't have a handle to speak of, to create his own shot off the dribble.

For Example: A player like Klay Thompson is hard to guard.... because you have to chase him around, all over the court, then around multiple screens & you cannot leave him alone, or he will stick an open jumper in your face... but he can also break defenders down 'off the dribble' and drive to the bucket & actually slam on someone's head, if he NEEDS to. And/or finish strong at the rim.

Meanwhile, JJ Reddick is known as a 'catch-n-shoot' type of NBA player.

However, he has 'enough handle' to execute a quick step-back move (and he is quick enough to use 2 or 3 different ballscreens) to create enough 'separation' to get his shot off.

Check out the video below. Don't watch the ball.
Focus on what JJ Reddick is doing away from the ball, or on the weakside.

- Watch his penetration to the rim & how he uses 'ball fakes'.
- Notice his ability to sink deep (off-balance) jumpers... 'even with contact'.
- Notice 'how fast' he uses ballscreens to get separation...
- Notice 'how fast' he can come off a CURL & put up a shot.
- Watch all the stuff JJ Reddick's does WITHOUT the ball in his hands.
- Watch how fast he moves (without the ball). All over the court.

THAT's what it takes to get your shot off (in the NBA) if you are purely just a 'catch-n-shoot' type of player.... and JJ Reddick is not even among 'the very best' in the league. And I'm not even 'a fan' of his.



Gelo doesn't do ANY of that stuff.
Gelo doesn't have that kind of footspeed. Too Slow.

He's not constantly running off ballscreens, like Reggie Miller.... or 'cooking ankles' in single (man-to-man) coverage, like James Harden does.

You never see any footage of Gelo breaking down a decent defender (off the dribble) from beyond the 3-point line, driving down the lane... and finishing strong at the rim. (Or finishing with contact. )

All of his 'highlight footage' consists of his teammates passing the ball around the perimeter a few times.... until he is able to take an uncontested (catch-n-shoot) deep jumper... or he's seen 'cherry picking' on a fast break... or he attempts to sink a few 'struggle buckets' in the paint.

His offense is just too limited for the NBA, imo.
Gelo's game is mostly a combination of deep jumpers + cherry picking + struggle buckets.

Just saying.

I watched Reddick from the day the Magic drafted him. Then watched when he was with the Clippers. I have watched each game Gelo played in Lith.

I see JJ Gelo as clear as day.

 

[rNubb]

Maybe so. Redick played college ball for 4 years , I think LiAngelo could have benefited staying 2-3 years in college too.

Dude, Gelo fucked up that college thang when he was catchup in China.

 

[grownazzblakman]

I watched Reddick from the day the Magic drafted him. Then watched when he was with the Clippers. I have watched each game Gelo played in Lith.

I see JJ Gelo as clear as day.

I think you are the only person who would ever make that comparison. Just saying.

In the NBA, shooting guards usually range in height from 6'3" to 6'7"... and they MUST be able to 'create off the dribble' and utilize screens to 'get open'. There are no NBA Shooting Guards that will just stand around & simply catch-n-shoot all day long.

His problems/weaknesses are glaring...
- Watch his footage & you will notice (on offense)... Gelo BARELY moves without the ball in his hand.
- He only uses screens... when HE DOES have the ball in his hands.
- He doesn't utilize many picks off the ball, or on the weak side.
- He mostly stands on the perimeter... and just waits until the ball gets swung around to him.

Translation = His offensive skills are 'too limited'.

Not sure what games/footage you been watching. But that's just 'not enough' for the NBA.

Granted, Gelo has a very 'quick release' .. but he also has a very WEAK post game... and zero handle... and he cannot create a shot 'off the dribble', to save his life.

As soon as he catches it... every NBA Scouting Report already says: 'A shot is going up. Be ready' ... so if any (halfway-decent) NBA-level defender closes on him fast, he will pass the ball... because he cannot beat 'more athletic' guys off the dribble & get all the way to the basket.

He's not like Steph Curry or Kyrie Irving who can dribble though multiple defenders and make it difficult to 'close the gap' when they are shooting.

He's not like JJ Reddick or Klay Thompson who will drag their defenders across multiple (off ball) screens to make it difficult to 'close the gap' when they are shooting.

He doesn't have a great handle. And he doesn't 'move around' without the ball.
He is too accustomed to 'waiting' until the ball gets swung around & defenders lose track of him... so he can take a deep jumper.

Just yesterday, ESPN's Jeff Goodman says NBA teams won't be interested in LiAngelo Ball ever AFTER he declared for the 2018 NBA draft. (And most NBA Scouts felt those 72 points will do absolutely NOTHING for Ball's draft stock )

Quote: "Ultimately NBA people feel that, again, he shoots the ball well. He has good size. But he cannot put the ball on the floor, and he doesn't defend.... Not a great athlete, and then you also have the LaVar factor that comes into play. Most NBA people that I've spoken to feel that he will have a pretty good career over in Europe, but he is not an NBA player, will not be drafted this year." - Jeff Goodman/ESPN





As a 6'5" (catch-n-shoot) type of player... what position would he play in the NBA?
Answer: Shooting Guard.

- NBA Shooting Guards gotta have a handle.
- NBA Shooting Guards gotta be able to break defenders down... off the dribble.
- NBA Shooting Guards gotta be able to drive hard to the bucket & make something happen.
- NBA Shooting Guards gotta be able to utilize screens & get open... WITHOUT having the ball in their hands.

Gelo does not do these things... WELL... Nor Consistently.

It's already March. The NBA Draft is in June.
The NBA Scouts have noticed these flaws... and Gelo won't 'have enough time' to be able to correct these flaws in just 3 months.

 

[rNubb]

I think you are the only person who would ever make that comparison. Just saying.

In the NBA, shooting guards usually range in height from 6'3" to 6'7"... and they MUST be able to 'create off the dribble' and utilize screens to 'get open'. There are no NBA Shooting Guards that will just stand around & simply catch-n-shoot all day long.

His problems/weaknesses are glaring...
- Watch his footage & you will notice... Gelo BARELY moves without the ball in his hand.
- He only uses screens... when HE DOES have the ball in his hands.
- He doesn't utilize many picks off the ball, or on the weak side.
- He mostly stands on the perimeter... and just waits until the ball gets swung around to him.

Translation = His offensive skills are 'too limited'.

Not sure what games/footage you been watching. But that's just 'not enough' for the NBA.

Granted, Gelo has a very 'quick release' .. but he also has a very WEAK post game... and zero handle... and he cannot create a shot 'off the dribble', to save his life.

As soon as he catches it... every NBA Scouting Report already says: 'A shot is going up. Be ready' ... so if any (halfway-decent) NBA-level defender closes on him fast, he will pass the ball... because he cannot beat 'more athletic' guys off the dribble & get all the way to the basket.

Just yesterday, ESPN's Jeff Goodman says NBA teams won't be interested in LiAngelo Ball ever AFTER he declared for the 2018 NBA draft. (And most NBA Scouts felt those 72 points will do absolutely NOTHING for Ball's draft stock )

Quote: "Ultimately NBA people feel that, again, he shoots the ball well. He has good size. But he cannot put the ball on the floor, and he doesn't defend.... Not a great athlete, and then you also have the LaVar factor that comes into play. Most NBA people that I've spoken to feel that he will have a pretty good career over in Europe, but he is not an NBA player, will not be drafted this year." - Jeff Goodman/ESPN





As a 6'5" (catch-n-shoot) type of player... what position would he play in the NBA?
Answer: Shooting Guard.

- NBA Shooting Guards gotta have a handle.
- NBA Shooting Guards gotta be able to break defenders down... off the dribble.
- NBA Shooting Guards gotta be able to drive hard to the bucket & make something happen.
- NBA Shooting Guards gotta be able to utilize screens & get open... WITHOUT having the ball in their hands.

Gelo does not do these things... WELL... Nor Consistently.

It's already March. The NBA Draft is in June.
The NBA Scouts have noticed these flaws... and Gelo won't 'have enough time' to be able to correct these flaws in just 3 months.

Dude, Gelo is willing to play another year for his current team. He is also ready to play in the G League. He is not betting on now or never.

Entering the draft doesn't hurt him at all. It surely helps the family business.

 

[TooTrilla]

And be a scrub like his brother.

 

[grownazzblakman]

Dude, Gelo is willing to play another year for his current team. He is also ready to play in the G League. He is not betting on now or never.

Entering the draft doesn't hurt him at all. It surely helps the family business.

Disagree about that red part.... as of yesterday... it kinda IS now or never.

Because no player is eligible for more than 2 NBA drafts.

So now Gelo is only eligible for this year's 2018 draft... and next year's 2019 draft.

If he has decided to enter the NBA Draft 'too early'... and he does not get drafted in June... his odds of getting drafted next year will most likely decrease. BY ALOT. They won't rise.

Countless ballers never made it to the League.... all because they decided to enter the NBA draft 'too early' & never got selected.

That list is reeeaallll long. Trust.

 

[Day_Carver]

going number 1 in the 3rd round.

 

[rNubb]

Disagree about that red part.... as of yesterday... it kinda IS now or never.

Because no player is eligible for more than 2 NBA drafts.

So now Gelo is only eligible for this year's 2018 draft... and next year's 2019 draft.

If he has decided to enter the NBA Draft 'too early'... and he does not get drafted in June... his odds of getting drafted next year will most likely decrease. BY ALOT. They won't rise.

Countless ballers never made it to the League.... all because they decided to enter the NBA draft 'too early' & never got selected.

That list is reeeaallll long. Trust.

You dont need to be drafted in order to play in the NBA

 

[REDLINE]

I watched Reddick from the day the Magic drafted him. Then watched when he was with the Clippers. I have watched each game Gelo played in Lith.

I see JJ Gelo as clear as day.

What Reddick is in the NBA isn't what he was in college. JJ has better handles and was a better driver than Gelo but I can see some of the comparisons.

 

[dHustla]

Playing against collegiate level competition is probably what's best for him at this point in his NBA career.

Can't he do that in a summer league?

 

[(0_0)..l.. finger]

 

[dHustla]

And be a scrub like his brother.

C'mon man, Lonzo is not a scrub.

 

[(0_0)..l.. finger]

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

http://www.tmz.com/2018/03/27/liangelo-ball-drops-72-points-after-declaring-for-nba-draft/

 

[Helico-pterFunk]

http://www.tmz.com/2018/02/11/vytautas-lithuania-cheerleaders-lamelo-liangelo-ball/



http://www.tmz.com/photos/2018/02/03/vytautas-cheerleaders/

 

[dHustla]

I'm rooting for him, I want him & the fam to win it all!

Watching this video I think he needs to showcase his driving & handle more

 

[grownazzblakman]

You dont need to be drafted in order to play in the NBA

Correct. He might get picked up by becoming an Undrafted Free Agent. (keyword: might)

But he would have to really, really 'stand out' in order for NBA Teams to notice him.... then be WILLING to sign him.... instead of signing a (different) young Prospect, or an experienced Vet/FA.

If he doesn't get drafted....

• Gelo prolly gotta dominate overseas, first... and drop (at least) 20-30 ppg. Each & Every Night.
• Or he gotta 'run over' the whole G-League for at least 1 or 2 seasons... just to get the attention of the front office.
• Or just be a (once in a lifetime) type of NBA 'freak of nature'... like the Greek Freak.
• Or pull off a 'Linsanity' type of journey... by winning some Conference/League Awards first... then bouncing around the D-Leagues, before getting 'a shot' a roster spot.
• Or he gotta crush the Summer League. (i.e. Assuming Lonzo convinces Magic to 'pick his brother' for the Lakers Summer League Team.)

The bottom line is... if he 'gets overlooked' on Draft Day, it just gets EVEN HARDER to get into the League. (which is the point you might be ignoring. )

Is it impossible? Nope.
Is it highly unlikely? Absolutely.

He gotta get picked up by 'the right team'... who is aggressively looking for his position & his 'style of play'.
Because he doesn't have 'the skills'... to go to ANY team in the NBA.

 

[grownazzblakman]

I'm rooting for him, I want him & the fam to win it all!

Watching this video I think he needs to showcase his driving & handle more

BINGO. Agreed.

 

[(0_0)..l.. finger]

C'mon man, Lonzo is not a scrub.

He’s far from a scrub..

 

[dtownsfinest]

Can't he do that in a summer league?

He can. But now he has to go the long way to the NBA. Now he has to try and walk on to a NBA team and develop. He should be playing collegiate competition and developing right now.

I wish him the best. Lavar may have done this because he knew Liangelo probably never had a shot getting drafted. This route saves the embarrassment.

 

[LSN]

He’s far from a scrub..

blake griffin is such a little bitch lol smh

 

[REDLINE]

He can. But now he has to go the long way to the NBA. Now he has to try and walk on to a NBA team and develop. He should be playing collegiate competition and developing right now.

I wish him the best. Lavar may have done this because he knew Liangelo probably never had a shot getting drafted. This route saves the embarrassment.

The one mistake Lavar made was saying all his sons were gonna be one and done. So regardless of how good they were, they were only staying one year in college before entering the draft. Gelo should've sat out the year and stayed in college at least three years.

That wouldn't work under Lavar's plan. Melo's gonna be in Lithuania for two years and then he'll enter the draft, that's the plan.

 

[HNIC]

The one mistake Lavar made was saying all his sons were gonna be one and done. So regardless of how good they were, they were only staying one year in college before entering the draft. Gelo should've sat out the year and stayed in college at least three years.

That wouldn't work under Lavar's plan. Melo's gonna be in Lithuania for two years and then he'll enter the draft, that's the plan.

Why not do 3-4 years in College, work on your craft and get an education to boot? College is arguably the best years of your life and the friends you meet are friends for life. One you reach a certain age you will realize that 3 years is nothing.

I wish the young man the best.

HNIC

 

[REDLINE]

Why not do 3-4 years in College, work on your craft and get an education to boot? College is arguably the best years of your life and the friends you meet are friends for life. One you reach a certain age you will realize that 3 years is nothing.

I wish the young man the best.

HNIC

I agree with everything you're saying.

Unfortunately Lavar wanted NBA players and his sons are there to fulfill that dream. The sons also want to play but that shouldn't be the end all be all.

 

[Quek9]

TMZ ain't shit. Mofo can't go shopping without them stalking.

 

[Quek9]

Gelo is no worse than Caruso, Ennis, Wear, or any other bench guy in the league. Gelo can flat out shoot the rock. If he keeps his composer during tryouts he will earn a shot.

 

[grownazzblakman]

Gelo is no worse than Caruso, Ennis, Wear, or any other bench guy in the league. Gelo can flat out shoot the rock. If he keeps his composer during tryouts he will earn a shot.

Don't sleep. Even the last guy on every NBA bench can do 'more than just 1 thing' much better than most ballers.

Travis Wear is 6'10". Played at North Carolina. He plays some defense, plus he can put the ball on the floor & create his own shot (which Gelo is not known for... yet). Also, he can shoot from Gelo's range AND he is a whole 5 inches TALLER than him. That makes a big difference between them, in the eyes of NBA scouts. Especially when the NBA likes height. (And I hate Travis Wear. Especially when he was on the Knicks. )



Alex Caruso hustles, plays some defense, handles the rock and even gets steals, blocks & assists with just 'limited minutes' on the floor... AND he can shoot from deep. Sure, Gelo shoots well from deep also... but he plays no real defense, to speak of... and he is not known for his 'motor', or his hustle. That makes a big difference between them, in the eyes of NBA scouts.



Tyler Ennis is serviceable. He can handle the rock, run the offense, run the pick & roll AND score off the dribble. He gets ALL THE WAY to the rim & can finish. (With, or without a screen being set for him.) Plus he can shoot from deep. He can sink open jumpers.... now granted, he may not sink 'as many' deep shots as Gelo... but he can do 'other things' besides just catch-n-shoot. That makes a big difference between them, in the eyes of NBA scouts.



We'll see what happens with Gelo.

- He needs to really work on (and showcase ) his handles, for starters... before Draft Day.
- And he needs to 'move without the ball' a lot more, on offense... and create his own shot, off the dribble.
- To prove that he is MORE than just a (one-dimensional) catch-n-shoot type of player.

Time will tell.

 

[Quek9]

Don't sleep. Even the last guy on every NBA bench can do 'more than just 1 thing' much better than most ballers.

Travis Wear is 6'10". Played at North Carolina. He plays some defense, plus he can put the ball on the floor & create his own shot (which Gelo is not known for... yet). Also, he can shoot from Gelo's range AND he is a whole 5 inches TALLER than him. That makes a big difference between them, in the eyes of NBA scouts. Especially when the NBA likes height. (And I hate Travis Wear. Especially when he was on the Knicks. )



Alex Caruso hustles, plays some defense, handles the rock and even gets steals, blocks & assists with just 'limited minutes' on the floor... AND he can shoot from deep. Sure, Gelo shoots well from deep also... but he plays no real defense, to speak of... and he is not known for his 'motor', or his hustle. That makes a big difference between them, in the eyes of NBA scouts.



Tyler Ennis is serviceable. He can handle the rock, run the offense, run the pick & roll AND score off the dribble. He gets ALL THE WAY to the rim & can finish. (With, or without a screen being set for him.) Plus he can shoot from deep. He can sink open jumpers.... now granted, he may not sink 'as many' deep shots as Gelo... but he can do 'other things' besides just catch-n-shoot. That makes a big difference between them, in the eyes of NBA scouts.



We'll see what happens with Gelo.

- He needs to really work on (and showcase ) his handles, for starters... before Draft Day.
- And he needs to 'move without the ball' a lot more, on offense... and create his own shot, off the dribble.
- To prove that he is MORE than just a (one-dimensional) catch-n-shoot type of player.

Time will tell.

Realistically could any one of those scrub players you posted score 72 points during any stage of their career if given the chance?

 

[grownazzblakman]

Realistically could any one of those scrub players you posted score 72 points during any stage of their career if given the chance?

Yes. IF they were playing against the same team that Gelo scored 72 points against. Here's why...

 

[Quek9]

Yes. IF they were playing against the same team that Gelo scored 72 points against. Here's why...

What?

 

[grownazzblakman]

What?

You asked me if any of those 3 NBA guys could ever score 72 points in their career...

And my response meant: "Yes, any 1 of those guys could ALSO score 72 points, if they played against the VERY SAME TEAM that Liangelo scored 72 points on."

Translation = Gelo dropping 72 points on little kids is not that big of a deal ... and it does not impress NBA Scouts, or certain (former) NBA Players .... because Gelo was playing against very low-caliber competition. Not against NBA-level Competition.

And in the video I posted, Gilbert Arenas basically explains WHY he was not impressed by Gelo scoring 72 points... and he also explains 'the caliber' of the team that Gelo played against.

The team (below) wearing Blue is who Gelo scored 72 points on.
What Gilbert Arenas says in the video above pretty much supports this photo...

So using Gelo's 72 points as a 'measuring rod' to compare other NBA bench players (who have 'more overall skill' than Gelo does)... is a bad idea.

Hope that clears it up.

 

[Quek9]

You asked me if any of those 3 NBA guys could ever score 72 points in their career...

And my response meant: "Yes, any 1 of those guys could ALSO score 72 points, if they played against the VERY SAME TEAM that Liangelo scored 72 points on."

Translation = Gelo dropping 72 points on little kids is not that big of a deal ... and it does not impress NBA Scouts, or certain (former) NBA Players .... because Gelo was playing against very low-caliber competition. Not against NBA-level Competition.

And in the video I posted, Gilbert Arenas basically explains WHY he was not impressed by Gelo scoring 72 points... and he also explains 'the caliber' of the team that Gelo played against.

The team (below) wearing Blue is who Gelo scored 72 points on.
What Gilbert Arenas says in the video above pretty much supports this photo...

So using Gelo's 72 points as a 'measuring rod' to compare other NBA bench players (who have 'more overall skill' than Gelo does)... is a bad idea.

Hope that clears it up.

Gelo 19 was playing against 15-21 year olds. Show me a stat sheet where any scored 50 or more on any level. I'll wait...

 

[RAY V.]

LaVar Ball is gonna act a damn fool inside The Barclays Center if LiAngelo doesn't get drafted

 

[grownazzblakman]

Gelo 19 was playing against 15-21 year olds. Show me a stat sheet where any scored 50 or more on any level. I'll wait...

The point you are missing is... scoring 50 points against 15, 17, or 20 years... is NOT the same as scoring 50 points on NBA All-Stars, or (seasoned) NBA Vets, or NBA bench warmers.

The guys you want to see 'proof' from, have nothing to prove. Neither do I.
Because they are already in the NBA. And Gelo is not.

You got it backwards, bruh....

Those NBA benchwarmers don't have to 'prove' that they can drop 50+ points on a bunch of Teenagers overseas.

Gelo is trying to get into the NBA... and play against GROWN MEN.

Gelo has to prove that he can hang with THEM.
Gelo has to prove that he can drop buckets like that ON THEM.

Until that happens, 'the jury is still out' on him, until Draft Day.