Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is set to make a big change for the 2022-23 season.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Ball is going from No. 2 to No. 1:
Charlotte Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball is officially changing his jersey number from No. 2 to No. 1 for next season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/aR9GbWXqte
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 18, 2022
After the Hornets were blown out by the Atlanta Hawks in the Play-In Tournament just a few months ago, LaMelo Ball hinted at changing numbers, therefore this isn't a huge surprise. Via Jerry Donatien of ClutchPoints:
“I ain’t never supposed to wear 2 again in my life.”
LaMelo clearly believes this will make a difference for him. Nevertheless, he's coming off a very impressive season for Charlotte, averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, the Hornets could be looking different next season with Miles Bridges' future uncertain after his domestic violence incident. Bridges was easily their second-best player behind Ball.
However, there is little doubt LaMelo Ball will take that next step in Year 3 and hopefully get this team past the play-in this time. They did manage to draft a big man at least in Mark Williams, who should compete for starting minutes with Mason Plumlee.
LaMelo Ball clearly believes changing up his number could be a game-changer. He actually wanted to wear No. 1 in his rookie year but at the time, Malik Monk wore it. By the time he left for the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, jerseys were already made and Ball couldn't make the change at that point. Now, the opportunity is there and he's jumping on it. Anything to make him feel more comfortable.
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