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Will Lamelo Ball be an All-Star? Who is his Competition?

By Landon Brian

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives around Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 01, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 01: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets drives around Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 01, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Lamelo Ball is having a very impressive season for the Charlotte Hornets, averaging nearly 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Hornets have one of the most prolific offenses in the league, and Ball has cemented himself as the catalyst of this squad. With NBA All-Star Reserves being announced on February 3, 2022, who will make the cut?

How many spots are available?

The NBA allows 7 reserve spots for each conference (2 Guards, 3 Front Court Players, and 2 Wild Card Spots). Essentially, Ball has 4 opportunities to be chosen to this All-Star team, but if he is not picked with one of the 2 Guard spots available, it will lead to him fighting for a spot between all Eastern Conference players (Since any position can take the two Wild Card spots).

Who are the most likely candidates for the 2 Guard spots?

The most obvious choice is Zach LaVine, with many fans thinking he should have been a starter over Trae Young. LaVine has been a huge reason for the Chicago Bulls’ success, and he has earned this spot. The next guard would most likely be James Harden. The fact that this is even debatable shows how poorly Harden has played this season, according to his standards. Regardless of how fans feel about Harden’s play, he has averaged a near triple-double on 42% shooting from the field.

If LaMelo Ball is not one of the two Guards, what does that mean?

With Jayson Tatum, Jimmy Butler, and Khris Middleton being the most likely front-court options, this leaves Lamelo with some stiff competition. Jarrett Allen, Fred VanVleet, Darius Garland, Jaylen Brown, and Charlotte’s own Miles Bridges all have strong cases for why they should be considered. Given the fact that most of these players are having career years, it is certainly not definite that Ball will take one of these final two spots.

Will Lamelo Ball be an All-Star this season? Yes or No?

The answer is, yes. Well, at least it should be. Ball has better statistical numbers than VanVleet, Brown, and Garland, and with Allen most likely stealing some votes from his fellow teammate, it makes the case for Ball even more compelling. The Raptors and Celtics have worse records than the Hornets, and I believe this will bode well for Ball and his All-Star status.

Next. Report Card: Grading the Charlotte Hornets midway through the season. dark

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