Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is looking to stay healthy and make a big impact during the 2025-26 NBA season. Ball most recently led the Hornets to a 120-116 win on Saturday night. However, ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon still found issues with Ball's overall game, via NBA on ESPN.
"LaMelo Ball took a catch-and-shoot fadeaway three early in the shot clock," MacMahon said. "I watched him play... I think I exclaimed five or six times, 'This is bleeping ridiculous' after he threw up just some ridiculous shots."
It's been a trend for Ball. He features no shortage of talent, but Ball does take questionable shots at times. In all reality, the Hornets shared the ball fairly well on Saturday night in the win over the Mavs. Ball did not take too many shots, and he was efficient overall. Still, as MacMahon said, there were some "ridiculous shots" from the 24-year-old.
The 2025-26 season projects to be a crucial one for Ball. He is under contract with Charlotte through the 2028-29 campaign. The Hornets are attempting to build a contender around him, but if the team fails to display legitimate improvement soon, Charlotte may decide to move on from the former first round pick.
Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel also represent the future of the franchise. Both first round picks feature talent and the Hornets may decide to build around them if the situation does not go according to plan with LaMelo. It is worth mentioning that Ball has struggled to consistently stay on the floor from an injury standpoint. Perhaps a healthy campaign will lead to better overall results for the team.
Ball's shot selection can be problematic, but we have seen players make it work in the past. Stephen Curry is not exactly known for having incredible shot selection, but he makes jaw-dropping shots. Still, the Hornets would likely prefer for Ball to at least take a few less "ridiculous" attempts. Ball probably won't ever abandon his style of play, but balancing his game out could play a pivotal role in helping the team reach the next level.
LaMelo Ball and Charlotte will look to finish the NBA preseason on a strong note. The Hornets' next contest is scheduled for Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies. Charlotte will then play their final preseason game of 2025 against the New York Knicks on Friday before beginning the regular season at home against the Brooklyn Nets on October 22.