LaMelo Ball was Destined for Stardom
LaMelo Ball has been a star in the public eye since he was a freshman in high school. Some in part because his older brother, Lonzo Ball, was the 2nd pick in the 2018 NBA draft. But another factor is that LaMelo from a young age has captivated audiences with his sensational play. Whether he was pulling up from half court or dropping 92 points in a game his sophomore season.
Although he took an untraditional route to make it to the NBA. At first, dropping out of Chino Hills and being homeschooled while focusing on training for UCLA. Which he eventually rescinded his commitment from due to a scandal with his Older brother. Going overseas twice once signing with the Lithuanian Basketball League and a second time in the National Basketball League with the Illawarra Hawks. Even through all the different Jerseys that LaMelo wore on his way to the NBA the same special talent translated across each of them.
LaMelo is a Lock for rookie of the year
After going 3rd in the 2020 NBA Draft to the Charlotte Hornets. Many draft analysts thought a few critical flaws like his lack of a consistent jump shot and poor decision-making would stop him from making an immediate impact in the NBA.
So far his play on the court this season should have the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors punching the air for their decision to pass over him in the draft. Choosing Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman over him, while they are both good prospects neither have shown the superstar potential Lamelo has. He is currently leading all rookies in almost every major statistical category. LaMelo ranks first in points, assists, total rebounds, steals, double-doubles, and Triple Doubles. LaMelo is actually the youngest player to post a triple-double since Markelle Fultz.
The youngest Ball brother has always played with an immense amount of confidence no matter the pedigree of the opponent. He is showing that the NBA has had no effect on that level of confidence even scoring a career-high 34 points on the Utah Jazz, the hottest team in the NBA.
In his last five games, LaMelo is averaging 23.2 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game while shooting a scorching 48.6% from three on 7.4 attempts good for 3.6 makes a game. He is rapidly improving showing no signs of a rookie wall or obstacles that can slow him down.
LaMelo is giving Hornets fans hope
The Hornets fanbase finally have a player since the departure of Kemba Walker that can make them optimistic about the future of the franchise. LaMelo recently won the rookie of the month award and is in line to take home the ROY award. So long as he keeps up the performances he is giving on a nightly basis.
He is impacting winning for the Hornets in a big way through his stellar playmaking like this full-court pass to Gordon Hayward or connecting with Miles Bridges on lobs. Ball is erasing any questions about his jump shot already laying claim to seven made threes in a single game. It’s obvious that this is only the beginning of a career that will be filled with highlights and a lot of winning for the 19-year-old point guard. I, for one, am glad to be able to watch it unfold.
