NBA Scouts Mull UCLA’s Lonzo Ball as Potential Top 2017 NBA Draft Pick

UCLA freshman point guard Lonzo Ball has officially hijacked the 2017 NBA draft discussion.

His captivating style and compelling potential have emerged as one of its primary talking points early on. Though we’re just two weeks into the season, he’s on pace to join Jason Kidd as the only college players to average at least 15 points, nine assists and five rebounds, per Sports-Reference.com. 

Ironically, Kidd is the name most frequently tossed around when formulating comparisons for Ball, whose signature passing and basketball IQ have looked as rare and strong as advertised. He has racked up four games of double-digit assists in seven tries and has the Bruins playing an unselfish, free-flowing (and winning) brand of ball. 

Some have even suggested Ball is tracking toward the No. 1 overall conversation, though he still has a ways to go.

So Markelle Fultz, Josh Jackson, & Lonzo Ball all pretty much locked into Top 6 in Draft & any one of them capable of going No. 1. Who else?

— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) November 23, 2016

“I think Washington’s Markelle Fultz is No. 1, and at this time I don’t include Ball in that conversation, though I know some scouts that would,” one scout told Bleacher Report. “I think Ball is a potential difference-maker on your team above and beyond North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. for his ability to make others better.”

“Fultz, with his shot-making has the advantage,” an executive said. “But Ball has better leadership qualities…the kid is special. He’ll be a success in our league, a la Jason Kidd. Smith has the tools—my concern is, can he lead, as the other two can lead better today? Smith is more quiet and moody.”

With scoring point guards on the rise in the NBA, Ball resembles more of …

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