The Charlotte Hornets may have lost 144-117 to the Miami Heat on Tuesday, but LaMelo Ball continues to trend in the right direction. Charlotte's defensive woes are going to make it difficult for the Hornets to make a legitimate postseason run. However, the Hornets want to see if Ball can turn his immense talent into a winning formula. His defense has been questionable at times and his shot selection in the past would make most coaches furious, but Ball is beginning to improve in both areas.
LaMelo is averaging over 26 points per outing to begin the new campaign. He's shooting the ball at a more efficient level as well. Ball went just 6-18 from the field against the Heat on Tuesday, but he entered the game shooting 48.3 percent on his field goal attempts.
Ball also seems more willing to make the extra pass. There have been times where he's passed up a shot attempt to find an open teammate. In previous years -- although LaMelo would still get assists -- he would not always make the best possible play. Since it is already Ball's sixth season in the NBA, it's easy to forget that he is only 24 years old. In all reality, LaMelo is just beginning to enter his prime -- and he seems to be showing improvement on the floor.
Will LaMelo Ball help the Hornets become a contending team?
The Hornets have displayed signs of potential. Perhaps the fact that Charlotte is taking steps forward as a franchise has given Ball extra motivation. With players such as Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel around him, the Hornets have a core with serious potential at the moment.
Ball still has his critics. He's been referred to as a player who won't be able to win at the NBA level in the past by some. However, others believe in Ball. In all reality, if Ball does improve his shot selection and gives more effort on defense, it is not difficult to imagine him becoming a winning player at the NBA level. When healthy, Ball is unquestionably one of the most talented guards in the entire league.
Tuesday's game was forgettable for LaMelo and the Hornets, but this Charlotte team could still make things interesting in the Eastern Conference. The Hornets will try to get back on track on Thursday night in a home matchup against the Orlando Magic.