Basketball

Detroit Pistons interested by LaMelo Ball, moving up in the draft

Presently holding the No. 7 pick in the upcoming 2020 NBA draft, Detroit Pistons head supervisor Troy Weaver says that “moving up is definitely an option.”

One potential objective has been preparing in the group’s patio all through the pandemic: top possibility LaMelo Ball – whose coach and manager, Jermaine Jackson Sr., is a previous Piston and Motown native.

In October, Ball hosted a free b-ball camp at Oakland Fieldhouse in Rochester Hills, Michigan, for youngsters ages 8 to 13. Weaver says the Pistons plan on scheduling an interview with Ball soon to become acquainted with him.

“I’m always happy to hear players embrace our organization, our city. That never goes unnoticed. I know people around him. His trainer is a Detroit native, so I’m sure he’s been here for a while working out,” Weaver said during Thursday’s pre-draft media availability. “I’m sure he’s well versed in the city from traveling around, being with his trainer and hearing different things, so no, that doesn’t go unnoticed and that’s always a positive when prospects speak highly of the city and the organization.”

Sources disclosed to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that Ball has just met with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who hold the No. 1 pick. Their meeting occurred in Southern California with Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and head coach Ryan Saunders.

ESPN has Ball recorded as the top accessible possibility.

Weaver says “everything’s on the table” to take the Pistons back to significance, including an endeavor to rearrange around in the draft, right now set for Nov. 18. The No. 7 pick is Detroit’s highest since Greg Monroe’s seventh overall selection in 2010.

“I love the draft. I love it every year. I always look at the draft with a glass half full. Yeah, you may not have a Zion Williamson or a Ja [Morant], but there are guys in the draft that we really like,” Weaver said. “The draft is always great because you have a chance to bring these young men in your program and help shape your culture from day one. So we really like the draft. Yeah, moving up is definitely an option as well, but I’m excited about the draft.”