During a pre-draft interview in 2020, LaMelo Ball told the Minnesota Timberwolves he wanted to become President of the United States after his playing career, contributing to their choice of Anthony Edwards with the No. 1 pick. The Charlotte Hornets selected Ball third overall. Edwards has since become a three-time All-Star, while Ball has dealt with injuries limiting his availability.
In the lead-up to the 2020 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves held the top pick and evaluated prospects including Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman, and LaMelo Ball. According to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski on the Zach Lowe Podcast, Ball's pre-draft interview with the team did not go well. When asked about his post-career aspirations, Ball responded, 'I want to be President of the United States.'
Krawczynski noted, 'Why did they pick Edwards? A million different reasons in their evaluation. But one of them was that they had an interview with LaMelo Ball during this process—trying to figure out, ‘Hey, is this the guy for us?’ And LaMelo did not interview very well.' Team sources were unsure if Ball was serious or disinterested in the process.
The Timberwolves selected Edwards first overall. In his career, Edwards has averaged 23.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, earning three All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors. Last season, he led the NBA with 320 three-pointers while averaging 27.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Minnesota has reached the Western Conference finals twice in recent years and holds a 7-4 record this season, with Edwards averaging 27.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists.
The Golden State Warriors picked Wiseman second, and the Hornets took Ball third. Ball won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020-21, averaging 15.7 points and 6.1 assists, and became an All-Star in his second season, helping Charlotte to its first winning record since 2015. His career averages stand at 21.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 6 rebounds, but injuries have sidelined him for 111 games since 2022, with the Hornets going 71-186 in that span. This season, Ball averages 23.3 points, 9.8 assists, and 7.8 rebounds but has missed the last five games due to an ankle injury; Charlotte is 4-7.
The teams met earlier this season, with Minnesota defeating Charlotte 122-105; Ball recorded 18 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in his final game before the injury. Their next matchup is scheduled for April 6.