Through all the teams looking to complete their rebuild, the Charlotte Hornets have become one of the NBA’s capitals in developing young talent. They have had an exceptional staff dating back to the days of Kemba Walker, and over the years, their front office has improved in scouting future stars worldwide.
In 2020, Hornets’ executives glanced at a young prodigy in LaMelo Ball and instantly knew he was their guy. He was lengthy, athletic, and had eyes on the back of his head. There was no doubt Ball had the potential to lead Charlotte through a quick rebuild.
Five years later, Ball is taking over as the best point guard in the NBA. He has found a comfortable groove against the best defenses, making him a tough player to guard on the perimeter. No coaching strategy or scheme can contain Ball, as he is effective in several ways on and off the floor.
If Ball remains healthy, he will receive all-world honors for the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite a small sample size, LaMelo Ball has been on a tear for the Charlotte Hornets. He is using his size as an advantage while playing at his own pace, making him one of the league’s most valuable players. As a result, the Hornets appear to be play-in contenders in the Eastern Conference.
So far this season, Ball is averaging 29.4 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.9 boards, with a career-best true shooting percentage of 58.3. More specifically, the former four-star recruit is attempting 23.0 shots per night. This emphasizes how much the Hornets rely on Ball’s contributions to win games.
The only concern with Ball since his rookie year has been availability. He has only eclipsed the 60-game threshold once in his career, keeping fans worried if his play is sustainable. Conversely, the one-time all-star has taken precautions this season with the use of an ankle brace. This sparks optimism on his health as a 23-year-old superstar in the NBA.
With the way Ball has begun the season, he will inevitably finish with All-NBA honors. Additionally, he will notch his second All-Star appearance and possibly MVP recognition if the Hornets lock in a playoff spot. This will be earned, especially considering Ball’s play style and value to the city of Charlotte.
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