#Pistons may trade up in NBA Draft 2020, LaMelo Ball a possibility

The Pistons appear to have their eyes on top NBA Draft prospect LaMelo Ball.

General manager Troy Weaver told reporters during Thursday’s pre-draft media availability that “moving up is definitely an option” in the upcoming 2020 NBA Draft. The Pistons currently hold the No. 7 pick, but it is likely Ball will not be available by then.

It makes sense that Ball would be on Detroit’s radar, considering the 19-year-old’s mentor and manager Jermaine Jackson Sr. is a former Piston and Motor City native. Ball also hosted a free basketball camp, for kids ages 8 to 13, at Oakland Fieldhouse in Rochester Hills, Michigan last month.

Weaver said the organization plans to schedule an interview with Ball soon.

“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 told reporters. “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.”

ESPN reported that Ball has already met with the Timberwolves, who hold the No. 1 pick. Ball, a California native, reportedly met with Minnesota president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and head coach Ryan Saunders in Southern California.

Weaver said “everything’s on the table” for the Nov. 18 draft. The No. 7 pick is the Pistons’ highest since Greg Monroe’s seventh-overall selection in 2010.

Detroit hasn’t had a winning season since 2015-16, when the Pistons got swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Cavaliers. The Pistons made the playoffs in 2018-19 when they were swept again in the first round, this time by the Bucks, but had the fifth-worst record in the NBA last season at 20-46.