3 Most valuable Hornets players of the preseason so far

LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball's return from another injury-induced lengthy layoff has been one of the most anticipated storylines of the Charlotte Hornets' preseason. However, it appears he is nearing peak physical health and has shown barely any rust in his first NBA games in a long while.

He suited up for 19 minutes against the New York Knicks, managing to register 18 points, four 3-pointers, and seven assists. Ball's efficiency wasn't quite where he likely hoped it would be, as he shot just 42.9% from the field and turned the rock over four times. Still, he looked like the best player in a Hornets uniform not named Tre Mann.

The 2022 All-Star reserve provided fans with an encore in Charlotte's second preseason match by lighting up the Miami Heat with 24 points (with six 3-pointers) and a game-high +19 in 23 minutes. Beyond his scoring production, Ball also turned heads when he recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists in his first 11 minutes of action.

Perhaps what the Hornets organization and its fans should be most thrilled about the 2021 Rookie of the Year so far is his commitment to playing defense. After he embraced the challenge of defending Jalen Brunson on Sunday, he also displayed several great defensive possessions against the Heat, including when he put the clamps on Jimmy Butler in the first quarter.

Ball has demonstrated that he is still atop the Hornets' hierarchy, even if some folks believe Brandon Miller will soon take over and grab the keys to the franchise.