BoZ, if Ball was such a sure thing, such a genius, why would GS do that trade?
Curry is 32, going on to 33 pretty soon. I’m sure they could coexist for a while, with plenty of minutes for Ball at the 1 or 2. Great guard rotation Curry-Ball-Klay.
No one is saying Ball is a sure thing.
But yes, he has some passing genius.
Take a look at some game assists he's made at 19.
For a few of them, I could watch the replay once or twice and still wouldn't see the passing op except for the fact that he did and connected on it. Some of what he does reminds me of Jason Kidd. An apt comparison since Kidd pushed the pace and made great passes but had a somewhat funky outside shot.
A 6'7" Jason Kidd.
One scout said that LaMelo likes to try Harlem Globetrotter style passes, yet he's able to make them work in game. Some passing genius there.
Now it's hard to gauge desire and work ethic and mentality. He's just 19. But he seems to really love basketball, his brother is an NBA player, his family supports him, etc. So a good support network (somewhat similar to RJB). I don't think you have to worry about NY nightlife corrupting him (who knows, Dwight came into the league a choirboy with a state trooper dad and became a non-workout sex addict or somesuch).
Not to say that LaMelo will develop into a Jason Kidd-level leader, defender, and late career accurate shooter. But that's his potential. I'd say his floor is Brother Lonzo (still developing) or Jason Williams (talented, solid PG, who was a wizard with the ball).
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Having LaMelo will help RJB develop and improve Randle's game (Randle a good floor running Big). Also give us a good op to see what Franc can do and where he fits in. Can Franc handle 15 mins of backup PG a night v. 2nd units? Can Franc slot in at SG next to LaBall and be effective for 10+ mins. A very Big Backcourt, which Knick fans used to get excited about.
But Ball and Franc might be too weak a 3-point pairing, unless they can really disrupt on D.
Thibs likes D more than 3's.
Otherwise, I think RJB has more value to us than trade value to others teams.
He's young and still mostly potential with an NBA body. I doubt we could get enough for him, and teams likely want to wiat a year to see what he's got.