Where does LaMelo Ball sit among other under 25 guards?
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is a highly thought of player. The youngest Ball brother is clearly one of the most talented players in the league. That is why it is not a surprise to see him appear on a list of top NBA guards under the age of 25. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has Ball checking at number five on the list. Tyrese Haliburton, Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, and Luka Doncic rank ahead of Ball, according to Buckley.
Buckley was very complimentary of Ball’s offensive ability, and for good reason. Ball is a very skilled player on offense and can stuff the stat sheet on any given night for the Hornets.
"“In terms of dribbling, distributing and long-distance shooting, he blends those skills like few others can. His first three seasons, spent in the less-than-fertile developmental grounds of Charlotte, have yielded more than 3,000 points, 1,000 assists, 1,000 rebounds and 400 three-pointers. Luka Dončić is the only other player to hit those marks this early in his career.”"
As talented as Lamelo Ball is on offense, it is his defense and decision-making which are noted as concerning areas. Not all is lost, however, but a path toward getting the most out of him is mentioned by Buckley, and that is something that the Hornets should pursue.
"“He has underwhelmed as a defender and not always been the soundest decision-maker, and those problem areas are too worrisome to slot him any higher. But surround him with reliable shooters and defenders, and that could mask his weaknesses, enhance his strengths and possibly put him on an All-NBA path.”"
There is a very bright future for LaMelo Ball in Charlotte. It is (mostly) up to him to live up to the expectations placed upon him. Ball should continue to be a force offensively, but a few improvements in the areas noted here could see him go from star to superstar, and that would be huge for a Hornets franchise that is trying to become relevant.
