Expectations for Charlotte Hornets’ LaMelo Ball in 2023-24
The Charlotte Hornets will be receiving the benefits of having one of the most dynamic players in the league return to their starting lineup, LaMelo Ball. Charlotte clearly could have used his services, as the team struggled mightily while he was sidelined with an injury.
Now fully healed and with a new season on the horizon, what can be expected from Ball when the games start to actually count? It appears there is some hesitation in the eyes of NBA.com’s Steve Aschburner.
"“Whether it was a permanent change or a short-lived precaution, Ball returned to action this fall wearing ankle braces. Whether that costs him any of his explosiveness and creativity remains to be seen, but Charlotte desperately needs that guy. They were much more potent with him, upping their pace and their watchability. Since his rookie season, Ball has gone from averaging 5.1 3-point attempts to 10.6 and his success rate (38.4%, two years combined) justifies it.”"
Ball is wearing braces to help keep his ankles stable, which should help him in the availability department. The Hornets are a team that goes as Ball goes, and they need him on the court if they are not going to be an Eastern Conference bottom feeder.
It has only been three preseason games, but Ball appears to be ready for the upcoming campaign. The former third-overall pick is averaging 15 points with 5.3 and 4.0 rebounds in 20.3 minutes. Ball has converted on 40% of his field goal attempts thus far, but the success from three-point range is a bit concerning. The Hornets’ star is making just 1.7 of his 6.3 attempts from beyond the arc (26.3%). This is notably down from his 4 makes on 10.6 attempts on 37.6% in 35 games last season. If Ball is going to attempt a high volume of three-pointers, he will need to convert them at a much higher rate than he has during the first three preseason games.
There is a very real scenario in which Ball is not able to make three-pointers at the desired rate early on. This is not a reason to panic, as it is about ensuring his long-term health first and his efficiency second. Should things look very inefficient at season’s end, that would be the appropriate time to raise some concerns about the Hornets’ future.
