In a recent episode of the "Hoop Collective," LaMelo Ball became a topic of discussion during a re-draft of the 2020 class. League insider Tim MacMahon put the young guard on blast and doubted his ability to play winning basketball.
“I don’t know that LaMelo Ball can play winning basketball,” MacMahon said . “I don’t know if LaMelo Ball can be the franchise player on a winner because he’s got a pretty empty calories game, right? … The man can fill up a box score, but his efficiency – even despite the fact that he’s shot the 3 pretty well – his efficiency is garbage. His defense is horrific. And I don’t see a lot of evidence that the guy considers winning to be a priority.”
The Charlotte Hornets have been in a bad way for years. While they've had some stars in the past (Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson most recently), the franchise has never really been a threat to win a championship and they've spent most of their existence fighting just to get out of the lottery.
With the arrival of LaMelo Ball in 2020, the Hornets were hoping that he would be the one to lead them to prosperity. But so far, Ball's influence has been minimal and the Hornets have not made much progress on becoming a contender in the East.
Statistically, Ball is performing just fine with averages of 20.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game on 42.7% shooting for his career. He's the Hornets' best player and has had plenty of impressive moments in his first four seasons in the league.
Unfortunately for the Hornets, LaMelo's numbers do not match his impact on the court. His low shooting efficiency, poor defense, and questionable leadership have become major criticisms for his game and many believe that it's holding the Hornets back from taking a step up in the East.
At just 23 years old, Ball still has plenty of time to grow and develop his game but there are doubts that he can become the franchise superstar that the Hornets need him to be. After signing him to a five-year, $260 million contract Ball is going into next season with massive pressure to take a step up and elevate his game.
More importantly, Ball will have to mature as a role model and leader for his team. Over the years, he's been involved in several scandals ranging from reckless driving to breaking a child's foot who was asking for his autograph .
It remains to be seen what lies ahead for Melo, but there have already been calls for the Hornets to trade him and build their team around second-year wing player, Brandon Miller . However, with the financial terms of Ball's current contract, the Hornets might just have to wait until he manages to increase his trade value.
After finishing 13th in the East last season, with just 21 wins, the Hornets have shown no signs of progress since adding LaMelo and if the trend continues, people may start re-thinking his status as an All-Star in the league. Next season will be a chance for Ball to prove himself, but he'll have to stay healthy in order to show his true potential on the court.
Related: Gilbert Arenas Explains Why The Hornets Wouldn't Accept LaMelo Ball For Stephen Curry Blockbuster Trade Deal
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