Hornets: LaMelo Ball predicted to be outside Top 20 guards for 2023-24

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is a very good player and that is not up for debate. The talent he has been able to display during his very brief time in the league has shown he is one of the better players in the NBA. But where is the Hornets’ star predicted to rank among other guards for the upcoming 2023-24 season?

The staff at Bleacher Report took on the task of Predicting NBA’s Top 30 Guards for 2023-24 Season, and Ball is just outside the Top 20. Coming in at 22nd overall is Ball. While it is initially mentioned that Ball is a player who is capable of being ranked higher than 22, there were some concerns that are impossible to ignore.

"“Ball, 22, is still very young and has a lot to learn, but a lot of what he can already do can’t be taught. He’s a bit wild and unpredictable, a strength and a weakness. He needs to grow as a defender, though the front office may try to build around Ball with defensive-minded players who can shoot and finish. That he’s 6’7″ gives him potential on that end of the floor, unlike smaller guards who get targeted (especially in the playoffs).”"

Ball’s defense may not improve all that much, as he has yet to show much of anything in that area. As noted above, surrounding Ball with better defensive players may be the way to work around his deficiencies and get the most out of a lineup that features the offensive-focused star.

What it is going to come down to is health and taking the next step offensively. If Ball can stay healthy and ascend to the superstar level that everyone believes he can reach, it should lead to the Hornets escaping the basement of the Eastern Conference and becoming a team that can at least contend for postseason basketball.