LaMelo Ball Now Heavy -200 Odds-on Favorite to Be Selected #1 Overall in 2020 NBA Draft
- LaMelo Ball is now the odds-on -200 favorite to go first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft
- Previous favorite Anthony Edwards is now the +155 second betting choice
- The NBA Draft is slated for Nov. 18th; See the complete odds to go #1 below
LaMelo Ball will soon find out which NBA team he’ll be toiling for next season. According the oddsmakers, he might find out that information sooner than any player eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft.
The latest betting line on the draft is out and it’s showing a new name atop the list. That would be Ball.
He’s moved into the odds-on favorite’s role at -200. Anthony Edwards, who’d reigned previously as the chalk in this betting market, has slid down to second choice odds of +155.
Odds to Be First Overall Pick in 2020 NBA Draft
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| LaMelo Ball | -200 |
| Anthony Edwards | +155 |
| James Wiseman | +600 |
| Deni Avdija | +20000 |
| Obi Toppin | +20000 |
| Killian Hayes | +30000 |
| Onyeka Okongwu | +30000 |
| Cole Anthony | +50000 |
Odds as of Nov. 13th at DraftKings
The NBA Draft will be held Nov. 18th.
Several NBA Teams Keeping Eye on Ball
The Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons were all in attendance at a Ball workout on Thursday in Southern California. One day earlier, Ball was working out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, who own the top pick in the NBA Draft.
Multiple NBA front offices are “under the assumption” that LaMelo Ball is going No. 1 to the T-Wolves or a team trades up to take him, per @DraftExpress pic.twitter.com/iIXMXsDaKo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 9, 2020
So far, the Timberwolves are the only team to be granted a private workout with Ball. He’s also worked out for the Chicago Bulls, who are slated to select fourth overall.
The Warriors (#2) and Hornets (#3) select right after Minnesota, so logically, it would seem a solid bet that one of these teams will go home from the draft with Bell.
Follow the Bouncing Ball
That is, unless there’s a trade. The fact that the Pistons, who don’t pick until #7, were assessing Ball is fuelling speculation that Detroit is seeking to move up in the draft to get their hands on him.
It's interesting that the #Pistons (No. 7 pick) reportedly were at a small in-person workout for LaMelo Ball, along with the #Warriors (2nd pick) and #Hornets (3rd).
Sure, it's due diligence, but I think it's significant. CHI, CLE and ATL (picks 4-6) weren't there.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) November 13, 2020
There’s also been talk about the New Orleans Pelicans being interested in a trade to add Ball to their mix of young talent.
Minnesota could deal the pick or opt to execute a draft and trade move with Ball, taking him and then shipping him to the team that truly wants him.
What About Edwards and Wiseman?
It would appear that teams have soured somewhat on Georgia guard Edwards. He’s also worked out for Minnesota.
So far, Memphis center James Wiseman, the other player with a shot to go #1, has declined to meet with the Timberwolves.
With @draftexpress reporting that LaMelo Ball worked out with Minnesota today, here’s more on what the top of this 2020 NBA Draft looks like. pic.twitter.com/yXkMFZtySU
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) November 12, 2020
Seeing Karl-Anthony Towns in place as a big man for the T-Wolves, Wiseman doesn’t envision a fit for him in Minnesota. He has a preference for landing in Golden State or Charlotte.
Ball also doesn’t seem like a logical fit in Minnesota. Ball handling is the strength of his game. That’s also the case with Timberwolves guard DeAngelo Russell.
There’s No Lock Here
Is Ball the call, or should bettors mellow on LaMelo? Since he played pro in Australia last year with the Illawarra Hawks, there’s a belief that Ball will transition quicker to the NBA.
At the same time, the major weakness in his game – shooting – is the vital element in today’s NBA. The vision and court presence the 6-foot-7 point guard brings to the floor are impressive.
Who fits Steph and the squad best among the likes of James Wiseman, Deni Avdija, and Obi Toppin? 👀 pic.twitter.com/FgvvKYV8IO
— Warriors Nation (@WarriorNationCP) November 10, 2020
This all could be a smokescreen by the Timberwolves, looking to up the ante on a trade package for the top pick. Both Golden State and Charlotte covet Wiseman, Minnesota could just as easily hold a sweepstakes for him.
That being the case, why not take the price and bet Wiseman to go #1?
Pick: James Wiseman (+600).
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
