NBA Rumors: Rising Atlanta Hawks Star High On Younger Brother Of Lonzo Ball

The 2019 NBA Draft concluded about a month ago although most are looking forward to the available talent next year. And one name that has cropped up this early is LaMelo Ball, the younger brother of Lavar Ball of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The 17-year-old remains a mystery in basketball circles although some have already heard of his playmaking ability. Better yet, LaMelo stands 6-foot-7, further arousing the curiosity of teams for the 2020 NBA season. Ball started his professional career when he signed with Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League on December 17, 2017 together with his brother LiAngelo, the Associated Press reported. He averaged 6.5 points and 2.4 assists for the ballclub, getting only 12.8 minutes of action.

If those numbers are to be believed, the younger brother of Lonzo Ball may find it tough to land a contract with an NBA team next season. However, that does not seem to be the case with Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks who says that LaMelo is REAL, TMZ Sports reported. He seems so confident in the youngest Ball and believes he is likely to be among the first three picks for the 2020 NBA Draft.

The good news is that LaMelo has several months to improve his game. He is currently playing for the Illawarra Hawks in the National Basketball League. To help hone his skills, Ball is working out with Young in Los Angeles - the possible reason why the Hawks star is upbeat on Ball for the 2020 NBA Draft.

"He'll be good in the league. If he's #1, #2, #3 ... regardless he'll be a good player."

Young is coming off a stellar season and is undoubtedly one of the future stars to watch in the NBA. The fact that he is working out with Ball sends of mixed signals - particularly the part where he seems all hyped up on the 17-year-old next NBA Draft.

There is no telling which teams will be selecting first at the 2020 NBA Draft although some mock drafts have come up. Seeing how Young is enthralled with LaMelo, the only chance of seeing his guy get selected in the top three is if Atlanta is one of them. Based on a sample mock draft from CBS Sports, the Hawks are at no. 9 with the New York Knicks (1), Chicago Bulls (2) and Phoenix Suns (3) being the first. Of course, the positioning is subject to change and there is also the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery to consider.