In the days leading up to the 2020 NBA draft, Ball was considered a possible top overall pick.[84] In the NBA draft, which was held on November 18, 2020, Ball was selected with the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets.[85] With his third overall selection by the Hornets in the NBA draft, he and his brother, Lonzo, became the first set of brothers to both be drafted in the top 3 of the NBA draft.[86]