via Imago
Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) works with a trainer before the start of the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
via Imago
Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) works with a trainer before the start of the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The Houston Rockets season opener inches closer. They will take on the Charlotte Hornets at the Toyota Center. The Hornets are sure to be looking for payback. Last season they were the first to fall to the Rockets. With Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green still not sure if Houston is the place they want to be playing, the uncertainty is killing the hope of playoffs for the fans.
Last season, Sengun was out for the final 18 matches, struggling with knee and ankle injuries. A reason for worry turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This period of absence led the Rockets to re-evaluate their strategy and push for the playoff spot. The Rockets made long strides, going from 22 wins in 22-23 to 41 wins in 23-24. However, the Hornets weren’t so lucky. Their roster was riddled with injuries and they suffered for it as they only managed 21 wins in the season. Their star LaMelo Ball made appearances in only 22 matches.
The arrival of their new head coach Charles Lee, assistant coach for the Boston Celtics last season should bring stability to the Hornets. With Lee on their side, they should become a tougher opponent now. The Hornets have a few injuries on their team before their first match.
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Josh Green has left Achilles soreness but whether he plays or not is still questionable. Although DaQuan Jeffries is confirmed to be out of the game with a right-hand fracture. Joining him on the bench would be his teammate Mark Williams out due to a left foot injury. LaMelo Ball is fully fit and will be playing tonight. The Rockets have reported no injuries for this game.
LaMelo Ball is a superstar for sure, but is he a Top 3 player in his position?
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Ball is arguably the most talented player to play for the Hornets. His unique talent and global stardom create a rare combination, only paralleled in the city by former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Most analysts rate him high but Mikal Bridges thinks he is already a top 3 Point Guard in the NBA at the moment.
Bridges and Ball have been making a splash in the NBA, nicknamed as Air Bnb fondly by the fans. “That’s for sure my brother. Basketball makes people closer and family for life, it was a blessing meeting Melo.” said Bridges on the Club 520 podcast. Now this statement makes opinion seem biased for sure. But he clarified himself. “I feel like if he’s not injured he’s a top three guard in the league. I’m not even being biased…Just watching him, he can do everything on the court.”
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We’ll be watching and cheering for Ball to stand up to these words by his teammate Bridges starting with their 1st game of the season. Bridges and Ball will be managed by rookie head coach Charles Lee in 2024 and beyond, with a game plan designed to churn every ounce of their abilities. Lee aims to focus on three-point shooting and fast-break opportunities. Both of which seem like a match made in heaven for Bridges and Ball. Hornets fans have an exciting season ahead, and if Ball can live up to Bridges’ belief that he’s a top-three guard in the NBA, the team could find real success.
