NBL Fan Favourite LaMelo Ball Joins Charlotte Hornets To Link Up With 'The GOAT'

While many Australian-based basketball fans and NBL followers tipped LaMelo Ball to be picked first in the 2020 NBA Draft, it just wasn't to be.

That being said, the former Illawarra Hawks star certainly landed in a good location.

And it looks like he'll be learning his craft under the watchful eye of legendary six-time NBA champion and team owner Michael Jordan.

With the opening pick in the first ever virtual draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves selected Anthony Edwards from Georgia.

That meant that LaMelo was up for grabs.

But for the Golden State Warriors, who were in desperate need of a big man, they opted to select James Wiseman.

Which meant the Charlotte Hornets, with the third overall selection in the draft, snapped up LaMelo.

The 19-year-old, who has also enjoyed a stint in Lithuania as well as Australia, will now join a team that is screaming out for some creativity and flare.

And team owner MJ is all for it.

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According to The Ringer: "League sources say Michael Jordan has given his stamp of approval for the front office to select LaMelo Ball.

"Ball would define the direction of the franchise as a passing wizard with untapped upside as a scorer and defender."

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Sneaking in to steal LaMelo will be viewed as a big coup in the eyes of Hornets fans.

Just don't let his father LaVar anywhere near the team if you want to avoid a repeat of what happened at the Los Angeles Lakers with LaMelo's brother Lonzo.

You can already picture it: LaVar going toe-to-toe with MJ on ESPN's First Take With Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman.

TV gold in the making right there.

Top 10 picks in the 2020 NBA Draft:

1. Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves)

2. James Wiseman (Golden State Warriors)

3. LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets)

4. Patrick Williams (Chicago Bulls)

5. Isaac Okoro (Cleveland Cavaliers)

6. Onyeka Okongwu (Atlanta Hawks)

7. Killian Hayes (Detroit Pistons)

8. Obi Toppin (New York Knicks)

9. Deni Avdija (Washington Wizards)

10. Jalen Smith (Phoenix Suns)

Topics: Michael Jordan, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry