Analyst names LaMelo Ball as player in need of trade
This is not the type of thing a fan of the Charlotte Hornets wants to hear. An NBA analyst believes that LaMelo Ball is one of five young players who may benefit from a trade to a new organization.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley included LaMelo Ball in his Young NBA Stars Under 25 Who Already Need a Trade article published Friday. Other names appearing on the list include Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, Scottie Barnes, and Anthony Edwards. These players do have something in common as they are all clearly star-caliber players on teams who have been known to be directionless at times. In regards to Ball, there are two angles being played here by Buckley. One from Ball’s perspective and the other from that of his teammates.
“If Ball already has questions about his ability to win big in Buzz City, who could blame him? What have the Hornets done to prove they can construct a quality contender around him? How many of his teammates does he confidently feel will still be at his side three years from now?”
It appears that we have reached the stage in the young career of LaMelo Ball where uncertainty about his future and the trust of his Hornets teammates is being projected upon them. Not only is this premature, it is completely unnecessary. There is absolutely no reason for this type of speculation at this time.
The team was clearly a work in progress when Charlotte made the decision to draft Ball. Everyone was aware that it was going to take some time to properly build up the roster in order to become a true contender. There have been some bumps in the road along the way as the 2022-23 season was filled with plenty of setbacks. But still, this should not be enough for anyone to start discussing a Ball exodus from Charlotte.
Unfortunately, this just comes with the territory of LaMelo Ball playing for a team that is not part of the old guard of the NBA. It does not matter where a star player is, if they do not play for a team such as the Knicks, Lakers, Celtics, etc., there is always a group of people leading the charge attempting to speak it into existence. As frustrating as it is, this is simply something that is never going to change. There will always be legions of fans clamoring for star players to end up on their marquee franchise.
The 2023-24 season will be crucial in avoiding any type of trade request scenario coming from LaMelo Ball. Charlotte has added some solid young players full of potential in recent years but at some point, potential needs to turn into actual production. Charlotte’s future is very much dependent on Ball and the young supporting players becoming real contributors. If this does not happen and the Hornets are not able to get back on the right track soon, they may not have a choice when it comes to whether or not Ball remains in Charlotte for the long haul.
