Five players the Charlotte Hornets should pair with LaMelo Ball

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the court during a free throw attempt during the first half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on November 12, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets stands on the court during a free throw attempt during the first half against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on November 12, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Eric Espada/Getty Images)
3 of 6
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 14: P.J. Washington #25 and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate a three-point basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on November 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 14: P.J. Washington #25 and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets celebrate a three-point basket in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on November 14, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Small Forward: P.J. Washington

Playing P.J. Washington at small forward rather than power forward is something that has never really been tried. That being said, he is a versatile enough player that is could work. Washington has shown an increased ability to get to the rim this season and apply pressure to the paint. Washington has always been a good shooter from outside, hovering around 37% from deep for his career. Washington also possesses defensive versatility and can guard many power forwards and some centers. His ability to shoot, finish, and defend at above-average levels makes him one of the more versatile players in the NBA. His handle on the ball has also improved over the last couple of seasons. While it would take some adjusting, P.J. Washington could be the ideal small forward alongside Ball.