There have only been a few silver linings in the Charlotte Hornets' 2024-25 campaign. They are a mere three games ahead of the league-worst Washington Wizards. Making matters worse is that they have lost all four of their meeting against the Wizards, prompting Miles Bridges to get real about his squad's status this season.
In the earlier parts of the year, the Hornets' defense deserved commendation, but they have since regressed on that end of the floor. It would probably be fine if their offense can at least be mediocre. However, that isn't the case, as only the Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets have averaged fewer points in the 2024-25 campaign.
Without enough shot-creators and playmakers due to flawed roster-building and injuries, LaMelo Ball just hasn't had consistent help to carry Charlotte's offense. Bridges has done his part to prove he deserves to stay with the organization in the long run, but evidently, that hasn't been enough to lift the squad from the Association's cellar.
LaMelo Ball has been an impressive floor general, all things considered
Unfortunately for Ball, he has been on the receiving end of harsh criticisms because of how the Hornets' season has turned out. Some folks have probably forgotten that the team has won just one game in the 22 matches that the 2021 Rookie of the Year has missed.
In addition, despite some recent struggles, Ball has shown to be one of the league's better shot-makers this season. His true shooting percentage in relation to his points per 75 possessions shows that he is on par with the likes of Luka Doncic, Cade Cunningham, and Tyrese Maxey. So, he is more than just the flashy plays and acrobatic shots he has become known for.
But if people happen to think that the 2022 All-Star is too much of a scorer for a point guard, Hornets diehard fans would beg to disagree.
Despite dishing out 7.0 assists per contest in the 2024-25 campaign, his lowest since his rookie year, Ball has actually been one of the NBA's finest playmakers. His assist percentage, which estimates the percentage of teammate field goals he assisted while he was on the floor, is currently 42.3. That ranks fifth behind only Trae Young, Nikola Jokic, Cunningham, and LeBron James. The notable stars Melo is ahead of in this stat include James Harden, Chris Paul, and Tyrese Haliburton.
What's more impressive is that Ball has displayed his court vision and passing accuracy despite playing with a squad that has connected on just 42.4 percent of its field-goal attempts.
If the front office can surround him with better and healthier pieces this coming offseason, we should expect the 23-year-old to improve his play further next year — that is, if Charlotte still plans to build around him.