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Boston Celtics draft news: Ainge reveals Lonzo Ball declined pre-draft workout

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) look on in game against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) look on in game against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics will have their choice between the top 4 NBA prospects. Lonzo Ball may have taken himself out of the equation. 

Has Lonzo Ball made the Boston Celtics decision on who to take with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft easier?

Appearing on Boston sports radio 98.5 The Sports Hub on Thursday, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge revealed Ball’s camp will not work out for the team prior to the draft.

"“We tried to get [Ball] in,” Ainge said in the interview when asked who the team would be working out later in the day."

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With top talent such as Duke’s Harry Giles and Kentucky’s Malik Monk amongst those they will workout, Ainge said it is not unusual for top players to decline workouts.

"“We don’t deal with [Ball’s camp] all that much,” Ainge continued.  “They didn’t show up at the combine, which is very common – many of the top 10 or 15 players don’t show up for the combine. …  We just tried to get him in for a workout and they politely said no.”"

While Ainge said that the team has drafted players who declined a workout before, Ball’s decision may sway the team in the direction of Markelle Fultz.  The Washington guard is a player high on the team’s board and is considered a better fit in Boston to play alongside Isaiah Thomas.

Is Ball even a consideration?

However, the fact Ainge was interested in a workout with Lonzo Ball means the team is still weighing their options on who to select with the top pick.  There is always the chance that they could trade the pick, which may have factored into Ball’s decision.

And then there’s Lonzo’s outspoken father Lavar Ball.  He has made it clear that he prefers his son to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.  Although he said he’d be ok with the Celtics drafting his son, he doesn’t feel it would be the best fit for the following reason:

"“If Lonzo goes to Boston, he turns into a 2,” Lavar Ball said during an appearance on Fox Sports 1’s “The Heard with Colin Cowherd” las week.  “Lonzo’s always going to be a point guard.  He can play any position, but his true position is point guard and Boston has so many guards, you don’t need that guy.”"

Although the elder Ball is correct in his assessment, it is clear that L.A. is the preferred destination even if it costs his son a couple million dollars.  That amount could be the difference between the No. 1 and No. 2 picks.

Next: Boston Celtics news: Jaylen Brown questionable for Game 5 due to hip injury

To stay informed about the latest rumors, roster moves and draft news, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.

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