LaMelo Ball hasn't earned himself a spot in the starting lineup for the Charlotte Hornets yet, but he continues to flash his passing brilliance off of the bench. Early in Charlotte's second consecutive meeting with the Orlando Magic, Ball delivered a pinpoint pass to Gordon Hayward as he was cutting to the basket.
LaMelo Ball threads the needle, Gordon Hayward finishes strong!@hornets up early on NBA LP pic.twitter.com/95a5cf7E8M
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2021
Ball began the play coming off of a screen from Miles Bridges as he went to the left side of the court. The Hornets point guard would take one dribble before seeing a cutting Hayward make progress toward the basket.
Despite a defender being draped on Hayward, Ball put the ball at a perfect spot for Hayward to catch the ball while keeping his momentum. Hayward would slip past his defender and would take the ball up against Nikola Vucevic, who would jump straight up trying to block the shot.
Vucevic's attempt to block Hayward's shot was for naught as the veteran forward was able to convert the basket. But it all began with the exemplary pass from Ball to Hayward on the baseline.
Passing the ball has been one of Ball's most impressive traits since scouts have gotten a chance to watch him play. Even though he needs to improve as a shooter and defender, his basketball IQ is well enough for him to be a key contributor for the Hornets.
With that being said, LaVar Ball — LaMelo's father — believes that his son should be starting for Charlotte. Nevertheless, as long as Ball continues creating for his teammates, it won't be long before the Hornets have no choice but to start him.
Follow Us
Subscribe