USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) passes behind his back as he is defended by Toronto Raptors forward DeAndreÕ Bembry (95) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Raptors won 111-100. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 12, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) passes behind his back as he is defended by Toronto Raptors forward DeAndreÕ Bembry (95) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Raptors won 111-100. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
LaMelo Ball is one of the most touted rookies entering the NBA this season. The brother of New Orleans Pelicans’ player, Lonzo, LaMelo Ball went to the Charlotte Hornets as the number three draft pick. Michael Jordan gave his approval to Ball, whom he hopes can bring excitement back to Charlotte.
LaMelo will be a star. He has that "IT" factor.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) December 13, 2020
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Now, Brooklyn Nets veteran Jamal Crawford has given his seal of approval to Ball. He took to Twitter to praise him after his pre-season debut against the Toronto Raptors. “LaMelo will be a star. He has that ‘IT’ factor.” Praise from an NBA veteran like Crawford is a huge endorsement for Ball.
LaMelo joined the NBA Draft this year, entering as one of the top draft prospects in the class. At one point, he was projected to be the number one overall pick. However, poor performances in workouts and interviews with prospective teams pushed him down the list. But the Charlotte Hornets decided that his talent was too high to pass up and selected him in the draft.
LaMelo Ball has an exciting future
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LaMelo dropping DIMES. 👀✨📸
10 boards and some SPECIAL passing on display from LaMelo Ball (@MELOD1P) in his #NBAPreseason debut! pic.twitter.com/zbYSXGHNGG
— NBA (@NBA) December 13, 2020
LaMelo can do a lot for the Hornets franchise, as he showed in his pre-season debut. While Michael Jordan was one of (if not) the greatest players of all-time, his track record as an owner has not been good. He lost his star player Kemba Walker in free agency last year and hasn’t been able to lure a star to the Hornets. Bringing in LaMelo Ball has created genuine excitement in Charlotte, as he has superstar potential.
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LaMelo Ball will not be alone in the Hornets. He has a new teammate in Gordon Hayward. Hayward rejected his player option with the Boston Celtics and signed with the Charlotte Hornets for a massive contract. A player of Hayward’s ability will be a great help to LaMelo Ball as he develops into a solid player in the NBA.
For many NBA analysts, LaMelo selected at number three was a steal in the draft. This is because of his extremely high ceiling as a player. LaMelo has the potential to be a bonafide superstar in the NBA, and Charlotte will be hoping that he fulfills his potential while bringing the Hornets back to playoff relevance.
