Charlotte Hornets’ rising star LaMelo Ball has demonstrated his remarkable potential to become one of the NBA’s top point guards, provided he remains in good health. However, Ball has struggled to stay on the court consistently. In the last two seasons, he missed more games than he played, a concern for a team striving to improve from its low position in the Eastern Conference.
Despite his injury issues, Ball’s extended break should hopefully allow him to recover fully before the 2024-25 season begins. As he works on returning to form, there’s a lot at stake for him and the Hornets, who are counting on him to lead their resurgence.
Recently, ESPN writer Tim MacMahon offered a particularly harsh critique of Ball’s performance. During a segment on “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective,” MacMahon and his colleagues revisited the 2020 NBA Draft, scrutinizing the Hornets’ decision to select Ball with the third overall pick. MacMahon expressed skepticism about whether Ball can contribute to winning basketball, despite his high potential. He labeled Ball’s play as having an “empty calories game,” criticizing his efficiency and defensive skills.
While MacMahon’s comments reflect concerns about Ball’s career shooting percentage of 42.7% and his tendency to average 3.3 turnovers per game, they don’t account for the full picture. The Hornets have not provided Ball with the ideal support to maximize his skills. However, with a promising group including Brandon Miller and Mark Williams, this could change in the upcoming season.
Moreover, Ball has already made notable achievements, such as his All-Star appearance at just 21 years old. His performance in the 2022 All-Star Game, where he recorded 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals in limited minutes, highlights his potential. Furthermore, the data shows that the Hornets perform better when Ball is on the floor, indicating his value to the team.
Criticism of Ball is understandable given the Hornets’ struggles over the past four seasons, but the future looks brighter. With new management and a more talented roster, there is hope that Ball can live up to his potential and help turn the team’s fortunes around.