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Charlotte Hornets: Ball, Hayward and Rozier ranked in SI’s top 100

By David Hendren

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 09: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with teammate LaMelo Ball #2 following their victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on January 09, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 09: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrates with teammate LaMelo Ball #2 following their victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on January 09, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets works against Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on March 01, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – MARCH 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets works against Carmelo Anthony #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter at Moda Center on March 01, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

LaMelo comes in at #51 for SI

After a stellar rookie season, Ball comes in just outside the top 50. The Rookie of the Year found himself ahead of notable players such as Michael Porter Jr. (No. 52), John Collins (No. 54), Jerami Grant (No. 55), and Klay Thompson (No. 57). Personally, I would agree Ball is ahead of all these players at this point, but his upside is what makes him have an even higher ceiling than where he is currently. Ball’s combination of size, flair, vision, and scoring upside make him a player that has the potential to break the top 30-40 by next season. The continued growth of his body and jump shot are keys to his development. Strides defensively as an on-ball defender would be crucial to his efficiency as well, as that part of his game is currently his worst. Becoming an average on-ball defender would be huge not only for his player profile but for the Hornets overall defense as well.

As of right now, the players ranked ahead of Ball makes sense as well. The players ranked ahead of him are all established veterans to this point, such as Tobias Harris (No. 50), Jamal Murray (No. 49), Clint Capela (No. 48), and Malcolm Brogdon (No. 47). However, potential-wise, it wouldn’t surprise me after this season if he passes all of these players except Jamal Murray. All of these players mentioned have hit their ceiling besides Murray, who also has room to grow and has been absolutely stellar in the playoffs. Ball has more to prove, especially in the playoffs, before passing someone with a pedigree like Murray’s.

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