Imagine if LaMelo Ball had a mentor alongside him on the court? That thought can very well become a reality with Chris Paul potentially becoming a free agent this coming offseason. And former Boston Celtic, also known as the "Big Ticket," Kevin Garnett, believes that the Charlotte Hornets star will become better if he were to be taken under Paul's mentorship.
Take a look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Oklahoma City Thunder. His one season in Oklahoma with Paul has served him well, as his player development has continued to skyrocket and is currently in the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
The Hornets-LaMelo Ball relationship is still going strong. As Ball continues to show love to the organization, making it aware that he does not want to be anywhere else as an NBA player and denying rumors of wanting to be traded. However, while he is still in the early stages of his career, Ball can use someone like Paul, a guy who has been an All-Star 12 times and has run the show on multiple teams in the league.
In a recent episode of "Ticket & The Truth with Kevin Garnett & Paul Pierce," the former MVP pondered on what the results may look like if the veteran pairs up with the young All-Star, saying, "In a perfect world, I would love to see if LaMelo Ball can be under Chris Paul. ... LaMelo got such a rawness to him...that if you put some greatness to these young guards who already see it how they see it, and then they take a little of piece of Chris Paul who's going to show them how to cut angles and change up pace."
The idea of the veteran-young star duo would be exciting for Hornets fans since they would have an experienced guard leading the way beside their talented franchise player. It makes sense, and should be something that the franchise's lead executive, Jeff Peterson, looks into this summer.
What could happen if Chris Paul ends up in Charlotte?
One thing that comes to mind is Paul being slotted at the point guard position while Ball moves to the shooting guard. This way, Ball can have a feel for how to effectively manage the game and watch how Paul creates open looks for others.
Head coach Charles Lee will also have the versatility of having two stable point guards to sub in and out throughout the game.
Additionally, Paul will not only benefit Ball's growth but also the rest of the young guys on the roster, like rising star Brandon Miller, for example, who's currently recovering from an injury on his shooting hand but still feels confident that his shooting skills will still be up to par when he returns to the parquet.
Similarly, former NBA big man DeMarcus Cousins felt that the Hornets needed older guys, too, to balance out the young talent on the roster. Bringing in Paul would complete that task on the checklist.
There are plenty of positives if Charlotte can secure a deal with Paul. For someone who's nearing the end of his playing career, it comes across as a fitting opportunity.