Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been nothing short of fantastic since entering the league. The third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft already seems like a lock to take home the Rookie of the Year award.
Ball is averaging 14.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His scoring is currently second among rookies, but he is first in rebounding and assists.
As for his specific role on the Hornets, he is already the best playmaker on the roster and maybe even the best overall player some nights. Since entering the league, Ball is already capable of running an offense and elevating his team's play. This is exactly why the Hornets need to lean even harder on him moving forward.
His Upside is Worth the Risk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLtGJ9o6ulo
LaMelo Ball is the only guard on the Charlotte Hornets' roster who is a pass-first player, which allows for chemistry with his teammates to grow at a rapid rate.
Miles Bridges and Ball have been dubbed as “AirBnB” for their highlight reel dimes and dunks to one another. Not to mention Terry Rozier's uptick in scoring over the last 10 games, where he's averaged 24 points throughout that stretch, is directly due playing off ball while LaMelo is on the court.
LaMelo has had some great performances throughout the season, but he is still only 19. There will be plenty of errors that will be made as the season ages, like turnovers, bad shooting nights, or even getting taken advantage of on the defensive side of the ball. Even so, it will be best for the Hornets for Ball to remain a starter and go through those growing pains , helping him develop for future seasons.
Basically, a longer term plan with huge upside.
Versatility
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgXY7oRH098
Injuries to the Hornets backcourt were the reason why Ball was inserted into the starting lineup originally, but head coach James Borrego has started Rozier and Devonte' Graham with one another when possible.
Ball's 6'7 frame allows him to guard both guard spots, as well as some forwards depending on the matchup. Also, having three guards on the floor together spaces the floor more than usual, allowing the Hornets to play small with Gordon Hayward positioned at the four.
This will allow the Hornets to get better shot selections throughout the game. LaMelo Ball will be able to utilize his weapons more effectively and get his own shot if necessary.
Playoff Bound?
The Hornets are 13-15 and are currently sitting at the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they have the same number of losses as the Knicks and the Raptors, who are the 6th and 7th seeds. The Hornets could easily shoot up the standings once everyone is healthy. LaMelo Ball has been, and can continue to be, a big reason for that.
Since his first start on February 1st against the Miami Heat, he's managed to put up double-figures in all eight of those games; 2o points or more in half of them. He managed to put up his career-high 34 points against one of the league's best defenses in the Utah Jazz. They are 4-4 since he took the starting job, but he is improving on a nightly basis. The more he adjusts to the speed of the NBA, the better chance that Ball has to get this team to the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Ball has a bright future in this league. It seems Michael Jordan and the rest of the management must have seen that on draft night back in November, which might be a little bit of a shocker to some. Nonetheless, LaMelo Ball is developing into an All Star each night he steps out on the court. It is clear that Ball is the future, so it would be in the franchise's best interest to allow him to showcase his talents as not just a starter, but a point of emphasis for the Hornets for the remainder of the season.
Follow Us
Subscribe