Progress Looks Promising for LaMelo Ball and the Hornets

It’s easy to overlook that three games represent just a snapshot, while five years tell quite a story. Since drafting LaMelo Ball in 2020, the Hornets have been striving to build a competitive team around him. Unfortunately, despite moments of promise, those efforts have largely fallen short. Contributing factors include questionable draft choices, coaching issues, and injuries that sidelined either Ball or crucial teammates for lengthy periods.

However, there seems to be a positive turn as the 2025-2026 season unfolds. The Hornets boast their most promising lineup in over a decade, and Ball is really starting to shine, stepping into the spotlight. This was evident in their recent game against the Wizards, where he achieved a triple-double with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, leading to a 139-113 victory.

Understanding LaMelo Ball requires some acceptance of his playing style. He’s known for being a volume shooter, often delighting in executing seemingly impossible plays. Whether it’s attempting a three-pointer near the logo or maneuvering through a crowded lane to make a shot, it embodies his flair. In essence, he plays basketball as if he’s in his own version of NBA 2K, relishing the challenge. Sure, it can be frustrating at times, and you might wish for him to be a bit more calculated or efficient. But curbing that aspect of his game would strip away what makes him uniquely enjoyable to watch.

Interestingly, Ball also finds immense joy in passing, showcasing his creativity with dazzling alley-oops and impressive swing passes reminiscent of Pete Maravich. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had reliable teammates to capitalize on these assists in past seasons.

This context created a concerning trend, particularly throughout the 2024-25 season. With Brandon Miller injured for much of the time and Miles Bridges proving inconsistent, Ball was left to carry the scoring load himself. As a result, although he took many shots, his shooting percentages dipped alarmingly, and his assists fell to the lowest level since his rookie year. And this doesn’t even touch on his defensive struggles.

LaMelo’s defense has often been a weak point. His tendency to get loose on drives can hinder him as a defender, and his slight build often leaves him vulnerable. Yet, this season, there appears to be a significant shift in how he’s utilized defensively, unlocking new potential. Coach Charles Lee has encouraged him to focus on intercepting passes rather than sticking to opposing players, turning him into a disruptive force. This unconventional strategy seems to be paying off, allowing him to harness his natural energy and length without being constrained by traditional defensive roles.

Despite the small sample size of three games, he’s registering a career-high 2.1 steals per 36 minutes. For the first time, he’s also shown a positive +/- defensive impact. Where he once struggled, he now shows promising numbers, boasting an impressive 20.4+/- per 100 possessions this season.

It’s reasonable to question how much can be inferred from games against teams like the Nets, Sixers, and Wizards. The crucial factor seems to be how Ball is observing the game from the court. This development can largely be attributed to the summer acquisitions the Hornets made. Drafting Con Knuppel with the fourth pick appears to have been a stroke of genius, as they opted for a player who complements both Ball and Miller rather than going for a flashy newcomer.

Knuppel quickly became a favorite target for Ball, averaging 15.0 points and hitting 57.9 percent from three-point range. His outside shooting fits perfectly with his ability to attract defenders. Additionally, second-round rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner has made an impression with solid rebounding and finishing skills, establishing a rapport with LaMelo.

This season, the Hornets have the deepest, most talented, and unselfish team Ball has led. There’s a noticeable difference as he’s more at ease on the court, playing his style, and seeing his efforts bear fruit. It seems he’s also developed a stronger understanding of what truly matters.

LaMelo Ball isn’t just the Hornets’ best player and an All-Star; he’s starting to exhibit qualities that suggest he might become one of the premier point guards in the league. It’s been a long road, but it appears LaMelo has indeed arrived.