The path for LaMelo Ball to the NBA might be a template for others to follow, though few people have a father like LaVar Ball.

The youngest Ball brothers forewent college, playing overseas and ationally in his father’s developmental league, honing his skills and parlaying that to a Third Overall Pick in the 2020 Draft.  Many predicted that LaMelo would become the best in the family, and early in his career, that appears to be the case.

Ball started the 2020-21 Season on the bench, but the Hornets gave him more time and the starting position at Point Guard by mid-season.  Ball won the Rookie of the Year, averaging 15.7 Points and 6.1 Assists per Game.  He progressed as a sophomore, representing Charlotte in the All-Star Game, averaging 20.1 Points per Game and finishing in the top in Assists (7.6) and Steals (1.6) per Game.  Ball was injured for most of the 2022-23 Season, but was electric when he played.

If the Hornets can hold on to Ball for a decade, he should make the top of this list.