LaMelo Ball is a star. Charlotte Hornets fans certainly know that. Sure, Ball has endured some ups and downs in his NBA career, but there's no denying his talent and/or potential. Sam Vecenie recently revealed how Ball is unique, however.
"He is one of the most natural gifted ball-handlers and pick-and-roll play-makers I've ever seen in my life," Vecenie said on the Game Theory Podcast w/ Sam Vecenie. "He is unbelievable in terms of the way he reads the court."
Vecenie also said he is impressed with Ball's pace and tempo on the floor. At 6'7", Ball is able to get to his spots without too much trouble -- something that is not always the case with players his size.
At 24 years old, Ball has displayed true signs of becoming a superstar. The problem is that he has only played in more than 55 games once in his five years in the NBA -- a feat he accomplished in 2021-22 when he appeared in 75 contests.
LaMelo is a good player. He has made one All-Star game and earned the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. However, if he continues to struggle to stay on the floor, one has to wonder if he will ever live up to his intriguing potential. The injuries are not Ball's fault, but they are an unfortunate part of sports.
Either way, many people around the NBA world have been impressed with Ball's ability to handle the basketball and make plays in the pick-and-roll -- which is what Vecenie addressed. Ball reads defenses with ease and often makes the right pass. Sure, turnovers have been a problem at times, but LaMelo has also left opposing defenses in disbelief with the jaw-dropping plays he is able to make on the floor.
The Hornets still believe in Ball. They are attempting to build a contending roster around him. Charlotte has added young talent in recent years in hopes that Ball can lead the team to the postseason at some point down the road. At the end of the day, though, the Hornets' potential future success will begin with Ball's ability to avoid injury trouble.
The calendar recently flipped to September which means NBA Media Day and training camp are right around the corner. Anticipation is building for the 2025-26 NBA season. Although expectations are not especially high for the Hornets, Charlotte could make things interesting as LaMelo Ball leads the way.