Hornets: LaMelo Ball’s Upside Heading Into Year 3

When looking back at recent draft picks and draft classes, there are several stories to tell. Talents like Jayson Tatum, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young have cemented themselves as great players who will only get better. The Charlotte Hornets may have the next young superstar looking to join these young greats.

There are other players, like Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Markelle Fultz, who are good players, but for whatever reason seem to currently sit below that elite tier of young hoopers that a certain Hornets youngster aspires to be in.

LaMelo Ball is in his second year and is far closer to the Tatum/Dončić tier than the Lonzo/Fultz tier. Averaging 19.9 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 7.5 assists per game, Ball has led the Hornets from mediocrity into possible playoff contention. His flashy but effective play and modern feel for the game have also made Charlotte must watch basketball.

Stats aren’t everything, as there are intangible skills that separate good players from great ones, but Melo is 10th in the league in assists per game, which places him ahead of Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Ja Morant.

Sportingnews.com ranked LaMelo as the 28th best player in the league, which is no small feat for a second-year guard averaging under 20 points per game.

LaMelo’s scoring will continue to improve, but his feel for the game and basketball IQ are already among the elite. Check out this video from @SInow of Melo’s no look pass to a cutting Miles Bridges. Sure, this is one highlight, but it epitomizes Melo’s game very well.

Another reason why LaMelo can take over games is because of his height. At 6’8, he towers over most opposing guards, but he still possesses a quickness that allows him to defend speedy players.

This season, he was named a first-time All-Star as a replacement for Kevin Durant, who was injured at the time. Melo scored 18 points for team Durant on 7-11 from the field, outplaying Dončić and Darius Garland on Team LeBron.

As a passing guard with a brilliant feel for the game and the ability to almost see things before they happen, Melo is a player who makes his teammates better. What NBA player doesn’t want to play with a floor general like that?

It’s no secret that LaMelo Ball is one of the best young players in the league, but it should be noted that at only 20 years old, his ceiling is sky high. 10 years down the line, we could be looking at a player who mirrors Jason Kidd, or if he perfects his jump shot, an even better player. Don’t sleep on LaMelo Ball, ladies and gentlemen, he’s going to be one of the league’s best.