Hoops

Lamelo Ball to Return Home Before Season’s End

I really liked the look of the Hawks squad in preseason, maybe Boone was questionable as they needed a 4 but I loved the experience mixed with hungry talented kids.

The issue for everyone involved here is that the coach is not up to standard and is letting the league down. Imagine if Bevo or Gordie got their hands on this squad, they'd have more wins for sure

No. The NBL paid out the contract. The NBL gets the buy out.

Good riddance the Hawks would instantly be a better team without him.

The Basketball Show (with Heal and Carfino) recently brought up rumours that there is discontent among Hawks players about LaMelo. The suggestion from Carfino was that Hawks players should be careful when speaking about LaMelo while in cafes.

Watching LaMelo play, he does seem to be more focused on showing off to scouts than winning games. He often goes with the highlight rather than high percentage play. He continues to take deep threes, presumably to demonstrate NBA range, but he's not hitting them at anything close to a good enough clip to warrant taking them. I can understand why people suggest he will draft high due to talent, NBA teams are known to gamble on potential, but talent doesn't necessary translate to being a winner. If he pulls out of the Hawks before the end of the season, I think it makes him look like even more of a loser.

I still don't understand the Lamelo hate. The kid is the best and most talented player on that Hawks roster right now.

Inconsistent and can make bad decisions, but that was always expected from an 18yo. Some of that is also probably a product of how shit this hawks team is. It would have been good to see him on the Wildcats/Kings/Breakers. Hawks are really screwing this season up.

He may leave, but i don't think he will. Scouts are loving his attitude right now and i think walking away will hurt his stock and isn't a great look for his attitude.

As for the losing, it's not ideal. But don't forget he's going to likely get drafted to a shit lottery team. He might want to get used to it. Will be huge for his stock if can single handedly win the Hawks some games later in the year after he matures and gets more experience.

Good riddance I say to Lamelo, the circus is a joke with the NBL guaranteeing him minutes. I know he has brought in money for the Hawks & NBL but he is not that good
Can’t play defence
Poor shot selection
Can’t run a offence
Poor body language
R.J. is a way better player & has adapted way better into the Breakers systems

"He's a class above all hawks players"

and is yet to see a shot he doesn't like, even though most of them he doesn't make. Every other team now knows to just give him the 3 and box out for the rebound.

I'm liking that I'm starting to see Jordair mentioned here more and more, humourous as it may be, that guy played D AND could get to the rack. Two things our team desperately need more of ATM.

Shocked to be sitting here.

Although Hawks still win as they signed LaMelo to a two year deal so will receive compensation regardless.

I hope for the Hawks' and the League's sake that Ball stays the whole season.

But it would be understandable if he left early, what is in it for him? I think he has established himself as a lottery pick, but doubtful it would be #1 at this stage.

If he does leave the Hawks have to take much of the blame, barring the Brooks injury, the situation at the Hawks are their own doing. Poor selection of coach and players, and putting everything on Ball and his 'development' as the drawcard for the season is on them.

Not winning is detrimental to him staying, fair or not. People WILL look at how his team is performing, as well as him individually. He should have signed with a Perth or Brisbane or SEM Phoenix or even Melbourne United, so he could be in a successful program as well as showcase his talents globally. Even Adelaide, with the style Joey likes to play, would have been a much more sound position for him. I understand why the NBL may have wanted him in Illawarra, but having people see this Hawks team and making a judgement on the NBL based on that is not a strong endorsement.

so who do you think has the best jersey for the heritage round?
who will win?