LaMelo Ball is making a case for Rookie of the Year on the court while also making an impact off the court in Buzz City. The Charlotte Hornets rookie donated 500 blankets to the Salvation Army to help homeless individuals stay warm, a gesture that was appreciated by the staff working at the facility in Charlotte.

Drafted third overall in the 2020 NBA draft, LaMelo Ball has been posting some impressive numbers for the Hornets. The young guard has averaged 12.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists in the 21 games he has played this season.

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Melo's presence has helped the struggling Hornets compete in a competitive Eastern Conference, as they currently sit  seventh with a 10-11 record. The team is looking to earn a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 2016 where they lost in the first round.

The Hornets have high hopes for Ball, as his stellar shooting and passing abilities have taken the NBA by surprise. Ball made the starting lineup for the team for the first time this season against the Miami Heat, contributing 14 points and seven assists in the come-from-behind 129-121 win.

As Ball continues to grow as a basketball player, LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry will help him see that there is more to basketball than winning. Ball took a step in the right direction with his generous donation to the Salvation Army, and he will certainly continue to learn how to his platform to support those in need.