LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets has been crowned Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month. Following the announcement, Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers shared his thoughts on the rookie, noting that he'll become a “terrific player” in the future.
Per Hornets reporter Rod Boone, Rivers believes that Ball is proving why he was the second overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Doc Rivers on LaMelo: "I think Ball is showing what he's going to be. He's going to be a terrific player."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) February 3, 2021
#Hornets LaMelo Ball has been named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December/January.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) February 2, 2021
In the Hornets' recent game, a 111-118 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Ball dropped 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He was 8-of-16 from the field, 3-of-6 from deep, and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line.
So far, Ball is averaging 12.2 points per game which is third among rookies behind Anthony Edwards and Immanuel Quickley. He's also dishing out 6.1 assists per game which is first among rookies and 5.9 rebounds which is second among rookies behind James Wiseman.
In the young NBA season, Ball has been tagged by analysts as a forerunner for the Rookie of the Year honors. While has come off the bench for the most part of his rookie campaign, Ball averages 25.3 minutes per game.
Hornets head coach James Borrego has been criticized for not inserting Ball into the starting line up. Borrego pointed out that Ball's turnover numbers, which is at 2.5 per game, is not necessarily ideal to him. But things seem to change for the better as Borrego started Ball for the second time on Wednesday against the 76ers.
Only time will tell if Rivers' forecast is correct. But his Rookie of the Month plum is definitely a sign of good things to come.
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