LaMelo Ball unquestionably features the ceiling of an NBA superstar. The former first round pick has endured difficulty staying healthy, however. Ball is hoping to stay healthy and take a step forward during the 2025-26 NBA season. He is still only 24 years old, but Ball has only earned one All-Star selection through his five years in the league. During a recent episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons made an interesting comment about Ball's upcoming campaign.
"LaMelo Ball is gonna try to be healthy and is at a fork in the road, what the h*ll are you season," Simmons said.
Simmons' point is intriguing. Who is LaMelo Ball at this point in his career?
Who is LaMelo Ball right now?
Ball quietly played well last season, but his play was overshadowed by his limited number of games (47) and the Hornets' overall struggles. Those two things have unfortunately impacted Ball for the most part throughout his career so far. The only season in which he played 55 or more contests was in 2021-22 -- and he earned an All-Star selection that year and appeared in 75 games.
Charlotte has placed pieces around Ball as the team continues to improve. Brandon Miller is another player with an especially high ceiling. He is a breakout candidate without question.
Miles Bridges is a veteran with experience and Kon Knueppel could instantly make an impact in his rookie season. The Hornets are not ready to contend for a championship, but they could take a big step in the right direction if injuries don't prove to be too much of an obstacle.
The Hornets need LaMelo Ball on the floor
Ball needs to prove he can be the guy in Charlotte soon. Sure, the injuries aren't his fault, but they are a part of the game the Hornets cannot ignore. If he is unable to stay healthy once again, Charlotte will need to have a difficult conversation about the future of the franchise -- and whether that includes Ball. If not, a trade could come to fruition down the road.
Given Ball's ceiling, Charlotte would surely love to build around the guard. In fact, that is what the Hornets are currently doing. The question is whether or not the rebuild will lead to true success.
LaMelo Ball will look to lead the Hornets to a successful campaign in 2025-26. Charlotte's season is scheduled to begin on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.