LaMelo Ball's 2024-25 season debut proved he was not bluffing
By Orel Dizon
Whether or not LaMelo Ball can get a clean bill of health has been the story of the point guard's career for the past two years. The concern has continued to linger even as the Charlotte Hornets' 2024-25 regular season has started.
Fortunately, Ball was able to go through one game without a hitch healthwise. It was certainly a breath of fresh air for the Hornets after two starters, Mark Williams and Josh Green, had to miss the season opener on Wednesday. Then, Brandon Miller couldn't finish their thrilling win over the Houston Rockets after experiencing hip soreness.
Ball did more than just stay healthy against the Rockets. He had a rousing season debut, scoring a pretty high grade in our books.
Ball's only condition to return to All-Star form
The Hornets star's performance proved the accuracy of his assertion during media day.
In a sitdown with reporters, he was asked what it would take for him to return to his previous level of play that allowed him to secure a 2022 All-Star berth. Ball offered a simple response: "Stay healthy."
It might seem boastful for the former No. 3 draft pick to think that all he needs to do is avoid injuries to perform at an All-Star level again. However, his showing against Houston displayed why his self-confidence isn't misplaced at all.
Ball got off to a good start, helping keep Charlotte afloat despite Alperen Sengun wreaking havoc inside the paint early in the contest. The Rockets big man was one point shy of a double-double in the first period and got Nick Richards dealing with foul trouble minutes into the match.
A close bout between the teams allowed the Hornets to witness what they were missing for much of the past two campaigns.
Ball was easily the best player on the court on Wednesday — certainly better than how he was rated in many player rankings. He put up 34 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists and made things look easy during some possessions, which was by no means an easy feat after missing a lot of time due to injuries. He even exhibited his clutch genes by taking over the last minutes of the game.
So, it appears all the 23-year-old star just has to do is stay healthy, and things will fall into place for him. It may seem like an overreaction, but it wouldn't be far-fetched to believe that a second All-Star appearance is waiting for Ball this season.