“He’s an Uncle or Something”: LaMelo Ball Opens Up About Playing Under Michael Jordan in Charlotte

LaMelo Ball has finally been drafted. After over a year of recruiting, the NBA Draft finally happened. Ball has gone to the Charlotte Hornets with the third pick, as Anthony Edwards and James Wiseman became picks one and two. Ball will be going to the rudderless Charlotte Hornets franchise who lost their star Kemba Walker in free agency last season. LaMelo is a fantastic replacement to develop alongside players like P.J. Washington and Devonte’ Graham.

LaMelo is already excited at the prospect of playing under Michael Jordan, who owns the Charlotte franchise.

Ball said, “I am actually really excited. I had great convos with them. Whenever I met them, everything was genuine, I loved it all, it was a great vibe. Even when I spoke to Michael Jordan on the phone, it was all love. Like he’s my uncle or something, already a part of the family… We talked before when we had practice and he just give me hints and pointers. He was the third pick, now I am the third pick. That is a blessing right there.”

LaMelo Ball: The next Hornets superstar?

The Hornets haven’t had a superstar in a while. Even though Kemba Walker made multiple all-star teams and got all-NBA odds while with Charlotte, the team never really rose in the Eastern Conference. This is the first very exciting prospect they have drafted in a long time. LaMelo was heralded by some as the best prospect in this draft, and him falling to Charlotte must make them overjoyed.

The Hornets have a good young core, but also do have some issues around the roster. The Nicolas Batum contract is still here. Also, will they figure out their backcourt rotation and find a permanent center? However, these are all easier questions to answer than not knowing who your franchise’s next superstar is.

Kemba believed his relationship with MJ was quite fruitful, so the hope is that LaMelo Ball can make good on this and develop into the superstar many are penciling him in to be.