Seeing LaMelo Ball wear a different uniform would be a strange sight, but those who want him to continue playing for the Charlotte Hornets might like what Jeff Peterson spoke about him during the team's media day. According to the president of basketball operations, finding another player more talented than him is hard.
Peterson also said that Ball is excited to be back on the floor and "bring winning back" to Charlotte. So, it appears that the partnership between Buzz City and its star is not going anywhere anytime soon.
It's understandable if some Hornets fans can't warm up to the idea of Ball spending the following years with the squad. After all, he still has a lot of work to do to prove that he is the right man for the job of leading its transition from the rebuilding to the contending phase.
The one-time All-Star has yet to be considered a winning player, as the organization has only registered one season above .500 in his five years there. He has also developed a nasty reputation as a shot-chucker and an unwilling passer, although people are split on those descriptions, especially since Ball has not had the finest supporting casts. This season, he is surrounded by arguably the best set of teammates he has ever had. And yet, the Hornets still need more help, particularly at the frontcourt and in wing defense.
So, Peterson's assessment of Ball's irreplaceable talent holds water. And the problem with trading him, as some folks have been clamoring for, is that the front office might not be able to land another player of comparable talent. Even the draft picks Charlotte could net in such a deal might not give it access to a prospect as skilled as he is.
Hornets star has been putting in the work this summer
The good news is that it seems like Ball has worked on improving himself this summer. Peterson even said during media day that it was the first time for him to see players stay in the city they are playing for and get in the work on a consistent basis during the offseason, and the budding superstar is at the forefront.
Fortunately, there have been some incremental results that should offer Hornets fans a glimpse of hope that Melo is ready to be viewed as a more serious player. For one, he looks to have bulked up, which aligns with Charles Lee's update about his ward earlier this month. He also disclosed on Monday how he has worked "all around" on both his upper body and lower body strength.
If Ball plans to stay with the Hornets in the long term, he must continue to set a good example for his teammates and work on his game to help fulfill Peterson's vision of seeing Charlotte become a sustainable contender.