Dreadful. That would be the word used to describe LaMelo Ball’s NBA debut. The rookie shot 0/5 with 0 points and only 1 rebound and 3 assists in a loss to the Cavaliers. In only 15 minutes of play, Ball had 3 turnovers and spent the entire 4th quarter on the bench. Not only that, but the Hornet’s 3rd overall pick, known for his flashy play and unwavering confidence, seemed scared. He was lackadaisical with his handle, timid with his takes to the rim, and apprehensive of his jump shot. Defenders took advantage, picking his pocket for steals, blocking his finishes at the basket, and forcing him to settle for bad outside shots. Following the game, critics who doubted the 18-year-old was ready for the league jumped on him, calling him a bust, overhyped, or simply saying ‘I told you so.’
Before the NBA, LaMelo had seemingly seen it all. He was already somewhat of a celebrity before entering the league, breaking onto the scene in 2016 as a freshman at Chino Hills Highschool. Here, highlights of LaMelo throwing flashy passes and knocking down deep threes went viral, including one infamous called shot from half-court. Then of course there was his older brother Lonzo playing for UCLA and the Lakers, his exuberant father, Lamar, pumping his son’s egos wherever he could, the family’s own shoe company BigBallerBrand, and even their own TV show ‘Ball in the Family.’ But throughout all the noise and attention, LaMelo was able to continue to develop his game, growing several inches and honing his skills in high school as well as overseas. By the time he was eligible for the NBA draft, Ball had grown into a 6-foot-7 guard with elite playmaking ability and a legitimate candidate to be picked first overall.
But on the night of December 23rd, in his first NBA appearance, the stage was finally too big for LaMelo Ball. Or so it seemed. Following his disappointing debut, LaMelo has silenced the haters. The rookie has not only proved he belongs in the league: he is developing into a superstar. In LaMelo’s tenth game he recorded a triple-double, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do so. In his 21st game, he cracked the Hornets starting lineup, for which he has not left since. And in his 23rd game, he had his first 30+ point game, dropping 34 on the Utah Jazz. He was selected to the Rising Stars Game (featuring the league’s best first and second-year players) and is now the heavy odds-on favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
Halfway through his first NBA season, LaMelo Ball is averaging 16 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds. His productivity will only grow as his minute’s increase. In his last 6 games, Ball has played less than 30 minutes just one time, while averaging over 22 points per game. Not only that, but he has debunked many criticisms that had some scouts worried, such as his so-called poor shot selection or skinny frame. Ball is shooting 45% from the field and an impressive 38% from three. He has also proved to be one of Charlotte’s more reliable defenders on the perimeter, using his length and athleticism to get steals and create transition offense.
The Hornets currently sit in sixth in the east with a record of 18-18 and on pace to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Owner, Michael Jordan has been criticized in the past for the inability to establish a core group of players. But with his offseason acquisitions of Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward along with drafting Ball, Charlotte seems to have finally built a foundation to build off of. Both LaMelo and the team are just scratching the surface of their potential and could be a force to be reckoned with within the upcoming years.
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