Which Charlotte Hornets players have most to prove?

Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; James Bouknight (Connecticut) walks off the stage after being selected as the number eleven overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; James Bouknight (Connecticut) walks off the stage after being selected as the number eleven overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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HornetsLaMelo Ball
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 05: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball around Buddy Hield #24 of the Indiana Pacers in the second quarter during a preseason game at Spectrum Center on October 05, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

3. LaMelo Ball

Also being designated as an up-and-comer is LaMelo Ball. Ball is a very talented player capable of highlight-worthy plays on a nightly basis. But it is no longer about finding a way to go viral with an incredible play, it is about having his skillset translate to winning. In his three years in the league, the Hornets have a 75-87 record when Ball is on the court. That needs to change if Charlotte is going to become a successful organization. While it is not all on Ball, he needs to be the leader of the team, and ultimately why they find a way to be a winning team.

"“Now, he’s surrounded by even more talent for an organization that hasn’t won a playoff series since beating Tracy McGrady’s Orlando Magic in 2002. Ending that streak of futility is vital as he attempts to carve out a winning reputation.”"

Unlike Miller or Bouknight, Ball has a proven track record of being productive in this league. Additionally, he is most likely member of this group to be part of a successful Hornets team down the line. But that prospect all depends on whether or not he is capable of playing a winning brand of basketball, and that has not been the case up to this point. There is plenty of time for that to happen in his young career, he just needs to go out and do it.