Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Comparing LaMelo Ball to other Charlotte Hornets’ rookie point guards

By Shawn Simmons

Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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5 Jan 2001: A close up of Baron Davis #1 of the Charlette Hornets as he smiles and looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Hornets defeated the Clippers 86-73. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. The user acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport
5 Jan 2001: A close up of Baron Davis #1 of the Charlette Hornets as he smiles and looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Hornets defeated the Clippers 86-73. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. The user acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs. Mandatory Credit: Donald Miralle /Allsport /

Baron Davis was selected with the third overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Hornets acquired guard David Wesley during the 1998-99 NBA season to replace Muggsy Bogues but it was clear, while had a future with the team, that he was not the answer at the point guard position. Enter UCLA guard, Baron Davis.

Baron Davis may be the last rookie point guard in Hornets’ history that gave the flashes of potential that LaMelo Ball has given fans and observers during their rookie season.

The Hornets were crowded in the backcourt during Davis’ rookie season with Wesley starting at the point guard position and natural two-guards Bobby Phills and Eddie Jones starting at the shooting guard and small forward positions. With Jones’ impending free agency and the Hornets history of trading star players, there was no rush in inserting Davis into the starting lineup; Davis played in all 82 games his rookie season coming off the bench in each game.

Davis finished his rookie season averaging 5.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals being the primary backup for Wesley and Jones. He shot 42% from the field but struggled beyond the arc only connecting on 23% of his three-point attempts. However, Davis showed enough flash and potential to lock down the starting point position the following season.