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Charlotte Hornets: Predicting the 2021-22 starting five

By Dylan Jackson

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with Miles Bridges #0 against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with Miles Bridges #0 against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on February 01, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 13: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 13: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

POINT GUARD – LaMelo Ball

This was never really a question. LaMelo Ball is the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, and is one of the most exciting young players in basketball. His handle is unreal, and his passing is some of the best around the NBA.

Charlotte Hornets: Predicting the 2021-22 starting five

What the Charlotte Hornets did this offseason seems to have been in an attempt to maximize what LaMelo Ball brings to the court as a high-level passer/playmaker. If his scoring and efficiency can improve, there should be noticeable improvement from Ball this year. If not, he still projects to be an above-average starter as a lead guard – something that every team needs.

The fill-in for Ball, should he ever get hurt this season, is probably going to be Ish Smith, a veteran journeyman who signed with the Hornets as a free agent this past offseason. Over the last three seasons, Smith is averaging nine points, three rebounds, and four assists per game.

As stated earlier, Devonte’ Graham is no longer a part of the Hornets roster, as he signed in New Orleans as a part of a sign-and-trade which saw Charlotte receive a lottery-protected first-round draft pick. Graham started several games last year, before Ball took over his spot in the lineup. Still, Graham was a key contributor, and coach James Borrego often ran 3-guard sets in crunch time.

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