Alright, gather 'round, folks. I've got a tale to tell you about a kid who made the NBA draft look like a high school yearbook signing. We're talking about LaMelo Ball, the youngest brother of the Ball brothers, who's got more swag than a Paris fashion show and more game than a pack of UNO cards.
Born Ballin'
Now, you might be thinking, "When was LaMelo Ball drafted? And more importantly, how old was he?" Well, let's rewind the clock a bit. LaMelo was born on August 22, 2001, which makes him a late summer baby. His dad, LaVar, had him and his brothers LiAngelo and Lonzo playing basketball before they could even walk. I mean, they were probably dribbling balls in their cribs!
LaMelo's journey to the NBA draft was as winding as a country road. He skipped college and played professionally in Lithuania for a hot minute. Then, he spent a season in Australia, where he was named the NBL's Rookie of the Year. All this before he could even rent a car without a permit!
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Draft Day: The Big Show
So, when the NBA draft rolled around in 2020, LaMelo was just a baby-faced 19-year-old. I mean, the kid was still getting carded at R-rated movies! But on draft night, he was all business. He was sitting at home with his family, looking sharp in a suit that probably cost more than my car.
The Charlotte Hornets were on the clock, and with the third pick, they called out LaMelo's name. The room erupted. LaMelo's mom, Tina, was crying. LaVar was... well, being LaVar. And LaMelo? He was just chillin', like he had all the time in the world. I mean, the kid's got ice in his veins!
Youngest in the Game
Now, you might be wondering, "Was LaMelo Ball the youngest player drafted in NBA history?" No, that title goes to Andrew Bynum, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2005 at the ripe old age of 17 years and 63 days. But LaMelo was still pretty young, coming in at 19 years and 14 days.
LaMelo Ball drafted No. 3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets | 2020 NBA
And let's not forget, LaMelo wasn't just drafted, he was drafted third. That's right, out of all the players in the world, the Hornets thought LaMelo was one of the top three. Not bad for a kid who was still figuring out how to do his own laundry!
From Lithuania to the League
LaMelo's journey to the NBA was anything but traditional. He went from high school to Lithuania to Australia, all before he could legally drink in the US. But he proved that he could handle the pressure, both on and off the court.
So, the next time you're feeling old, just remember: LaMelo Ball was drafted into the NBA at 19. That's right, he was still in his teens when he joined the big leagues. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my walker and some prunes. All this talk about young whippersnappers is making my bones ache!