What would make LaMelo Ball unstoppable?

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Spectrum Center on November 14, 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during their game against the Golden State Warriors at Spectrum Center on November 14, 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Mar 27, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) shoots the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) shoots the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) defends during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

With his 6’7″ frame and his crafty ballhandling, Ball is capable of creating his own shot. If he can take advantage of his height on a more consistent basis, he could make life miserable on the smaller guards tasked with defending him.

This past season, Ball shot 38.2% (34 of 89) on mid-range shots, as defined as those attempts from 15 to 19 feet from the basket. The further Ball was from the basket, the better he shot; from 20 to 21 feet away from the basket, he shot 45.5% (61 of 134). While Ball has solidified himself as a capable three-point shooter, an improved mid-range jump shot would make him an even more lethal weapon on offense.