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Fantasy basketball: Eric Karabell's 'Do not draft' list

Lonzo Ball, a 39% career shooter, still has much to prove entering his fourth NBA season. Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

I have always believed that having a ball in any fantasy sports pursuit is of the utmost importance to optimum participation, though that hardly means one must actually have a Ball on their teams. In fact, it might be a problem this season. Allow me to explain.

New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball can be a joy to watch, a gifted passer and defender taking pride in his rebounding and emerging in his third season as a solid playmaker and improved shooter. I suspect his younger brother LaMelo Ball, the No. 3 pick in the recent NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets, offers similar skills but boasts considerably more upside, given time.