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Where does Hornets star LaMelo Ball rank among NBA point guards?

By James Mastrucci

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles in front of Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 03, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 03: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles in front of Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 03, 2022 in Washington, DC. 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is a very exciting player and is one of the few who is a must-watch for national audiences. There is a reason why the Hornets inked him to his five-year $205.9 million extension as they believe he is someone who can lead the team into a new era of competitive basketball. But where does the youngest Ball brother rank among other NBA point guards?

According to Frank Urbina of HoopsHype, LaMelo Ball is just outside the Top 10. Urbina put together a ranking of the top 24 points guards in the league, Ball checks in at 11th overall with an explanation as to why.

"“Ball, the 2021 Rookie of the Year, is still somewhat of a difficult player to forecast, as injuries have often been an issue for him during his time in the NBA. When healthy, he’s a bombastic floor general who can hit shots from all over the floor with creative playmaking and who thrives running the fast break. But he’s not the most efficient scorer and doesn’t provide much in the way of defense, either.”"

There are some very valid concerns about LaMelo Ball here. Injuries have been an issue and that is not something that gets better with time. Additionally, the lack of defense and trouble in the efficiency department are two areas that must be improved upon. Urbina would also question whether or not LaMelo Ball is the type of player that can lead a team to wins or if he is just an exciting player on an otherwise bad team. Again, a question that needs answering.

Obviously, the hope in Charlotte is that LaMelo Ball can be the face of their franchise for the long haul and be the driving force in being a competitive team come playoff time. But if Ball ends up being an exciting yet inefficient player on a team going nowhere, the short and long-term trajectory of the franchise is altered in a major way.

LaMelo Ball has the potential to be the franchise cornerstone that the Hornets are looking for and it is something that they are banking on. Whether or not he is able to capitalize on that potential is a different story whatsoever and the answer to that will only be found out in time. Some of the responsibility to make sure that happens belongs to the front office and coaching staff, but the majority of it falls on the shoulders of one individual, and that individual is LaMelo Ball.

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