The Charlotte Hornets entered the 2021-22 regular season in high spirits, largely due to LaMelo Ball‘s presence. The second-year guard is coming off an impressive first year that saw him bag the top rookie plum, giving Hornets fans plenty of reasons to get excited about their team's future.
Ball took centerstage in Charlotte's home opener against the Indiana Pacers, and the crowd showed their love towards the flashy guard by filling the arena with “MVP” chants.
LaMelo getting “MVP” chants from Hornets fans.
(via @wzaldridge)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 21, 2021
Luka Doncic, who's been pegged by many as the top MVP contender this season, may have something to say about this, but that will have to wait. LaMelo Ball is running the show in Charlotte with his savvy playmaking and prodigious talent.
Ball averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season. He had his best month in February when he logged 20.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game, putting his all-around capability on full display.
An injury dealt a blow to his momentum, but Ball picked up where he left off when he returned to lead the Hornets to a Play-In Tournament spot.
Charlotte hasn't tasted playoff action since 2016, but LaMelo Ball gives them a decent shot this season. Backed by Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward, the Hornets have an ample amount of firepower to give perennial playoff teams a run for their money.
It's going to be a tall order for Ball if he's to dislodge Doncic atop the MVP ladder, but he's expected to have an impressive sophomore campaign nonetheless.
LaMelo Ball finished his season debut with 31 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and two steals as the Hornets pull off a 123-122 squeaker.
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