As great as LaMelo Ball has been when healthy, he doesn't appear to have the rosiest of reputations in the league. Still, it might be the first time someone reportedly refused to consider joining the Charlotte Hornets specifically because of their star.
According to Mike Lacett of Carolina Sports Live, there is "at least one" prospect projected to be a lottery pick who has refused to visit the Hornets for a draft workout because of a desire not to play with Ball.
Some folks have surmised that the player who stated that was Ace Bailey. However, the Rutgers University product, in a move that has perplexed a lot of people around the NBA and should move him down Buzz City's draft board, has avoided meeting with any organization. He even canceled a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Another name that has cropped up is Jeremiah Fears, although the potential reason behind it is that he plays the same position as Ball. The combo guard out of the University of Oklahoma has rarely been mentioned as a viable selection for the Hornets, although due diligence should be an impetus for the franchise to bring him in for a workout.
LaMelo Ball has become a polarizing figure
It's unclear why anyone, let alone a youngster who hasn't proven anything yet, would single out the 2021 Rookie of the Year as the basis for not wanting to suit up for the Hornets. Sure, he was quite a high-usage player this season, but that was presumably only because of the lack of healthy bodies around him.
Maybe his flashy style of play isn't too appealing for some prospects. On the other hand, Ball's gravity and capability of being a pass-first floor general could actually be beneficial for a rookie trying to prove his mettle early on.
Perhaps we're reading into the rumor too much. And if it is indeed true, Charlotte could just continue focusing on high-character draft candidates. It is for that reason that VJ Edgecombe and Kon Knueppel have been heavily linked to the team. Tre Johnson rounds out its list of most likely choices, although wild card alternatives could also emerge as time passes.
Still, the idea that possible roster addition targets for the Hornets would snub them because of Ball is a scary proposition. Charlotte already faces a massive challenge in attracting free agents and players who want to be traded from their current squad. Melo turning out to be one more obstacle to its aspirations of building a formidable roster would be rubbing salt into the wound.