USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 14, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) brings the ball up the court during the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2020 NBA draft, LaMelo Ball was one of the most exciting prospects to enter the league. Thanks to his immense talent and popularity, he was selected with the third overall pick by the Michael Jordan-owned Charlotte Hornets.
It’s safe to assume that LaMelo is delivering on the expectations set for him by NBA fans. In less than half a season, Ball has changed the atmosphere in the franchise. For the first time in years, the Hornets are actually competing for a playoff berth!
The 19-year-old is averaging a solid 14.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season. If he continues his early season form, there is hardly anyone who can deny that Ball will deserve to be crowned NBA Rookie of the Year.
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Are Michael Jordan and LeBron James in LaMelo Ball’s dream starting five?
LaMelo recently sat down for a rapid-fire interview where the Buzz City rookie was asked to name his dream starting five. He replied, “Me at the 1, [Michael] Jordan at the 2, LeBron [James] at the 3, KD [Kevin Durant] at the 4, and Shaq [Shaquille O’Neal] at the 5.”
via Getty
CHAPEL HILL, NC – MARCH 7. Former player Michael Jordan of the North Carolina Tar Heels is honored during a halftime ceremony. During a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the Dean Smith Center on March 7, 2007. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
.@MELOD1P picks Michael Jordan, @KingJames, @KDTrey5, and @SHAQ to join him in his dream starting five. Can you form a lineup that includes the @hornets guard? 🤔
While at it, know more about Buzz City's rookie as he answers rapid-fire questions #OnlyHere! 🗣 #RepublikaNgNBA pic.twitter.com/NMM8e0V70F
— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) February 16, 2021
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Ball’s dream starting five looks like a lethal team. If it were to become a reality, there is hardly any team that could stop that unit. However, it won’t ever become a reality as both Jordan and Shaq have already retired from the NBA long ago.
But speaking of teams that are hard to beat, the Hornets are emerging as one of the contenders this season. Although there is still a long way to go for the season, the Hornets might clinch the seventh or eighth seed.
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ALSO READ | Michael Jordan: A Look at His NBA Career With the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards
However, that all depends on their ability to maintain their current form. If they fail to translate this success in the second half of the season, all their efforts will go in vain. What are your expectations from the Hornets this year? Do you believe they can make the NBA playoffs?
