LaMelo Ball, Grade: C-
Like Mark Williams, LaMelo gets dinged for his inability to stay on the floor, as he’s been out there for just 22 games this season. Big things were expected for the Hornets this season, and Ball was the biggest reason.
But after a disappointing season last year, playing just 35 games, Ball has been equally unreliable this year, leading to another lost season. He’s never been able to get into a consistent rhythm, and his long-term health has become a question mark as he’s now only been relatively healthy in one out of his four NBA seasons.
That’s scary stuff for the 22-year-old superstar, who is still the face of the team and the rebuild. Everything being done has been with LaMelo in mind, and if he can’t be a reliable part of the team, they’re almost back to square one.
The emergence of Miller has offset this a bit, but still, the Hornets need to see a lot more out of Ball next season, or they have to start having some uncomfortable conversations about his future as his 5 year $205 million extension kicks in.
He has still been really good when he plays, a truly dynamic offensive player, and I’m not advocating for the team to give up on him. But there is some truth to the expression, “the best ability is availability” and LaMelo has not proven to be very available as an NBA player.