The Charlotte Hornets have no shortage of production since moving LaMelo Ball to the starting lineup. Hornets’ fans have wanted Ball in the starting lineup for some time now, but it has finally happened due to injuries.
Because of Charlotte’s incumbent starting guards, Devonte’ Graham and Terry Rozier, Ball was never given a chance to get into the starting lineup. However, an ankle injury sustained by Rozier provided the opportunity.
Ball has started in three games so far. His last start was in Friday’s loss to the Utah Jazz, where he scored a career-high 4 points, tossed eight assists, and shot 50% from the floor. This performance was only the second time a Hornets rookie scored over 30 points in a game; that player was Larry Johnson.
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As a starter, Ball has averaged 23.3 points, 6 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. He’s also shooting 46% from the floor and 47% from three. Since becoming a starter, Ball has performed better in every statistical category.
The Hornets may only sit with a 1-2 record as a starter, but Ball has been a big reason why the Hornets have stayed in the games. Ball showed a lot of effort in Wednesday’s loss to the 76ers, making it a close game. He also went on his own scoring run on Friday night to keep the Hornets in that game.
Head Coach James Borrego has not committed to keeping Ball in the starting lineup. Borrego praised him after Friday’s game.
Ball also proved he could play the 1, 2, and 3 spots. He is a threat on offense, and he complements Gordon Hayward’s game very well. Teams are starting to fear Ball when he enters the paint because nobody knows when he’s going to pass it or take a shot.
The Hornets’ offense has performed a lot better since he has been a starter. The team has averaged 120.3 points per game in Ball’s three starts. The Hornets were averaging 108.6 points per game before his inclusion into the starting lineup. The Hornets are currently the 20th ranked teams in points per game with 110.1.
As a reserve, Ball has averaged 13.6 points, 6 assists, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game this season. Ball ranks first in rookie scoring and assists, and he’s ranked second in rebounds.
Ball has established himself as a strong Rookie of the Year candidate. His production is there, and coach Borrego should take note of what he’s done. It will be hard to demote either Graham or Rozier as a starter, but how can Borrego take him out of the starting lineup when he’s playing this well?
The Hornets will take on the Washington Wizards on Sunday, and it can be assumed that he will start. Will fans see another career game from the rookie?