Pistons could move up in draft, 'intrigued' by LaMelo Ball

The Detroit Pistons currently hold the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. While they'll be able to select one of the best young players in the draft with that pick, Pistons general manager Troy Weaver says that moving up to land the player they want is an option, according to ESPN's Eric Woodyard. 

Woodyard adds that Detroit is intrigued by LaMelo Ball, who could be selected as high as first overall. Weaver plans to interview Ball, whose mentor and manager is former Piston Jermaine Jackson Sr., in the near future in an effort to get to know him better.

"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 said Thursday, per Woodyard. "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."

Ball's father, LaVar, said last week that he'd like to see his son end up in either Detroit or New York. He added that having the "right coach behind you" will help a player succeed, so it seems like he's endorsing Pistons head coach Dwane Casey. 

Detroit has a need for a point guard, and Ball is regarded as the best available at the position in this year's draft. The team hasn't selected as high as seventh overall since it took Greg Monroe with the seventh pick in 2010. 

During his virtual draft combine availability in September, Ball spoke very highly of the Pistons, who play "hard-nosed" basketball. Landing Ball would give them a solid young player to build around, though it's not known if they'll truly be able to move up in the draft. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves, who own the first overall pick in the draft, could take Ball, but it has been reported that they're open to moving the top pick in order to acquire a win-now player. If they were to trade with the Pistons, they could target Blake Griffin or Derrick Rose.