Subscribe
Follow Us
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball had the perfect response when asked how he is able to collect so many rebounds after the rookie accrued 12 on his way to a historic triple-double against the Atlanta Hawks.
The announcer asks LaMelo what’s his key to getting so many rebounds
LaMelo – “I played a lot of 21 growing up.” pic.twitter.com/nBYUi55s9C
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 10, 2021
One day after he came just an assist short of becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, the LaMelo came through with a second effort, collecting 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in only 31 minutes of action.
Drafted with the third overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo had entered the league as a controversial prospect given his poor outside shooting and outsized family name. While he has yet to remedy his shooting woes, the 6-foot-8, 19-year-old point guard has more than made up for it with his superb court vision and ability to crash the boards. With the Hornets slow-walking his development and utilizing him primarily off the bench, Melo has made the most of his limited minutes.
Article Continues Below
His past two performances for the Hornets, however, has shown he's ready for more.
Though LaMelo Ball is unlikely to carry a significant portion of the scoring burden, the guard's ability to spread the floor with his passing has proven to be just as useful for the streaking Hornets.
With the team currently sitting at .500, Charlotte could begin increasing Ball's playing time as they look to remain competitive in a wide-open Eastern Conference. For a team that has had little to get excited about throughout their 15-year existence, the other Ball brother is giving them a reason to cheer.
