Charlotte Hornets have created a buzz with its hot start to the season. Five games in and the team’s record sit..."/> Charlotte Hornets have created a buzz with its hot start to the season. Five games in and the team’s record sit..."/> Charlotte Hornets have created a buzz with its hot start to the season. Five games in and the team’s record sit..."/>
Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: 4 reasons for a hot 4-1 start

By Jacob Phillips

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Barclays Center on October 24, 2021 in New York City. "nNOTE 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 24: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Barclays Center on October 24, 2021 in New York City. "nNOTE 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 Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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LaMelo Ball Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
LaMelo Ball Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets reason #2: LaMelo Ball does not miss

LaMelo Ball has proven he has super-star potential after his start to the season.

Through the first five games Ball is averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. He struggled a bit against Orlando, but he still made an impact when he was on the floor.

Ball’s fast start can be credited to his hot shooting. He is shooting 43% from the field and 46% from three this season,

Ball has not been afraid to let it fly and more times than not, he has hit them. If he continues to make shots at that rate there is almost nothing teams can do to stop him.

"“When Melo is making threes, obviously it’s tough on defenses,” Borrego said Saturday. “He can get to the rim, he can make plays at the rim or for his teammates. I don’t want him settling for the three, but the fact teams have to guard him out in space now really stretches our opponent’s defense. But he’s put work in all summer, he shot it well this summer. I know his preseason numbers didn’t prove it, but there is no doubt in my mind that that confidence is there. I saw that last year, I saw that this summer and he’s a fearless competitor.”"

Opposing defenses have no answer when it comes to stopping Ball. He is too crafty and unpredictable for defenses to stay in front of.

The only person who can stop Ball is himself. This season he has found himself in foul trouble early and when he is not hitting shots it gets in his head a little. Thankfully he is still young and can work these problems out as the season goes.

If Ball bounces back from the Magic game and picks up where he left off, the Hornets are going to be a team that opposing defenses can not keep up with. Their pace of play is too quick with Ball running the floor.

Staying on his current trajectory will turn Ball into a super-star. The sooner that happens for Charlotte the better.

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