LaMelo Ball played well during the 2024-25 season. He was limited to 47 games played due to injuries, though. The Hornets star did not make the All-Star team, but still averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Although Ball has dealt with trade rumors at times, he is currently preparing to begin the 2025-26 campaign in Charlotte with the Hornets.
Ball's aforementioned statistics suggest he could have been an All-Star if healthy. The underlying stats also support the argument. One specific statistic serves as a perfect example of Ball's impact on the Hornets.
For those who may not be aware, win shares is a stat that serves as an estimate of how many wins a player contributes to a team. As a rookie in 2020-21, Ball contributed 2.8 wins while appearing in only 51 games. 2021-22 saw Ball make his first and only (so far) All-Star team. It is also the only season in which Ball has appeared in more than 60 total games (he played in 75 in 2021-22).
Ball set a career-high with 5.8 win shares during the 2021-22 campaign. Fast-forward to 2024-25, and Ball ended up recording his third highest win shares mark with 2.0 in only 47 total contests. In other words, he made a massive impact on the Hornets despite playing in just over half of the season.
LaMelo Ball's immense impact on the Hornets
Of course, this is not especially surprising since Charlotte finished with a lackluster 19-63 record and in second to last place in the Eastern Conference standings. Ball was clearly the best player while on the floor. Still, the win shares statistic is exciting.
If Ball can play in more games in 2025-26, Charlotte will surely see an increase in victories. The Hornets have also improved the roster, something that will help the situation. If Charlotte avoids too much injury trouble and the team's young players perform up to their potential, then perhaps the Hornets could make a run at an NBA Play-In Tournament position.
The win shares statistic will not make or break the team's campaign, but it does suggest that LaMelo Ball's impact is of the utmost importance. Injuries are the only obstacle for the guard. A healthy Ball will be a problem for opponents.
LaMelo will do everything he can to stay on the floor and help his team this season.