LaMelo Ball didn't have the regular-season debut he envisioned having with the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After Ball had a disappointing showing in his debut, Gordon Hayward revealed what he told the rookie guard following the game:
“I told him just to forget this one,” he said, via Jacob Rude of Lonzo Wire. “There’s going to be so many nights where he is, you know, playing his game and playing really well. So, I said ‘Don’t worry about this one at all. We all know the type of player that you are.’ Some days are diamonds, some days are stones and I think it’s something where it’s his first game and, you know, those things happen.
Despite having lofty expectations coming into the game, Ball concluded his debut with zero points, one rebound, and three assists with two turnovers. The 19-year-old guard missed all five of his field goal attempts, including three attempts from 3-point range.
Hayward is familiar with having a quiet outing in his debut, as he scored only nine points on 4-of-11 shooting back in his debut in 2010. Luckily for Ball, though, Hayward is an example that your debut doesn't define how your career will play out.
Coming into the NBA, everyone knows that Ball is an exceptional passer and is still possibly growing at 6-foot-7. Of course, it was disappointing as a fan of the Hornets to see Ball struggle in his debut.
However, it's safe to say that LaMelo Ball will have better games ahead with Charlotte in his rookie campaign.
Follow Us
Subscribe