For as talented as he undeniably is, LaMelo Ball has become Exhibit A of the importance of fit. The Charlotte Hornets have made considerable upgrades to the roster, primarily via the NBA Draft, but the fundamental differences in approach are unavoidable.
With Ball reportedly requesting the exploration of a potential trade, the Hornets have the perfect opportunity to put the finishing touches on a much-needed culture change
Ball’s desire to move on is certainly understandable, as Charlotte has failed to make the playoffs in any of his five completed seasons. He’s posted remarkable individual statistics along the way, but it’s fair to question if he'll ever realize his true potential with a team he simply hasn't been able to get over the hump with.
According to Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, Ball has decided to explore potential career paths away from the Hornets by expressing that he’s open to being traded.
"Following the Hornets’ disappointing road loss to the 2-13 Indiana Pacers — their fourth straight, dropping Charlotte to 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-11 record — star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports."
Equal in importance was the revelation that the Hornets are falling out of love with the idea that Ball can be the ideal franchise player for the current team and its new direction.
"League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him."
Neither side's perspective is particularly difficult to understand at this juncture, as both parties appear better off moving on than pretending there's something positive to be gained from staying the course.
LaMelo Ball trade would allow Hornets to change ideology, style of play
Charlotte has an abundance of talented young players, including current Rookie of the Year frontrunner Kon Knueppel. The list also includes promising wing scorer Brandon Miller, productive big men Moussa Diabate and Ryan Kalkbrenner, and intriguing wings Sion James and Liam McNeely.
In order to evolve from a talented team that can’t seem to win games into a postseason-caliber side, however, the Hornets need to establish a conclusive identity.
Knueppel seems to epitomize the way Charlotte hopes to play as a team. He utilizes a relatively low volume of shots to turn in strong and generally efficient scoring performances, as well as a willingness to create for others that balances out his game.
Knueppel has turned his poise, skill, and advanced basketball IQ into averages of 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.3 three-point field goals made on .473/.403/.886 shooting.
One of the primary reasons Knueppel has been successful is how he's created opportunities for himself and others by embracing a role that doesn't necessarily require him to have the ball in his hands. His willingness to operate in motion on offense has epitomized how Charlotte should be playing instead of waiting for a select few players to create something from nothing.
No one should put the blame entirely on Ball for the Hornets' shortcomings, but this is the epitome of how a fresh start can become necessary in untenable situations.
Charlotte would obviously need to fill a massive void if it opts to oblige and trade Ball. The return could help in some regard, but he is the hub of the offense and, if nothing else, a productive scorer and creative playmaker.
The Hornets need a shift in priorities, however, and trading Ball can finally bring about the new ideology the franchise needs.