Hornets point guard and reigning Rookie of the year LaMelo Ball is set to drop his first signature sneaker in October, partnering with Puma to release the Puma MB.01. Former NBA guard Jalen Rose, who is an ambassador and consultant for Puma and has worked out with Ball in the past, posted a video of the shoes on his Instagram on Saturday.
View this post on Instagram
Ball was spotted wearing the signature shoe at NBA Summer League back in August.
At age 20, Ball will be one of the youngest players in the league to have his own sneaker, but it's well-deserved. He was spectacular last season for the Hornets, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.9 assists in 51 games played. He's a passing savant, a wizard in transition and a surprisingly solid three-point shooter at 35.2%. He was far and away the best player from the 2020 draft, and is already looking like a franchise cornerstone for Charlotte.
Ball has quickly become one of the more recognizable figures in sports thanks to his father's antics. Back when his oldest son Lonzo was entering the league, LaVar Ball appeared on various sports talk shows, where he made more than a few outlandish statements. E18/21ven so, Ball's play speaks for itself, and he would be deserving of his own sneaker regardless of his family's name.
If Ball can stay healthy (he missed 21 games due to a fractured wrist last season), he should have a decent shot at leading the Hornets to the postseason in 2021-22.
Follow Us
Subscribe