The Charlotte Hornets may be sitting near the bottom of the standings, but when it comes to their franchise cornerstone, there’s no ambiguity: LaMelo Ball isn’t going anywhere. That much became clear after former NBA guard-turned-analyst Austin Rivers spent time with the team while calling their recent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rivers had the chance to connect with both the Hornets’ front office and head coach Charles Lee, and he came away with a strong message: this organization is all-in on LaMelo. “They love Melo,” Rivers said, emphasizing that the perception some fans or pundits have of Ball doesn’t match how the team sees him internally.
Let’s talk about that perception. Ball has often been labeled as immature-too flashy, too carefree, maybe not serious enough to lead a team.
But within the Hornets’ walls, that energy is viewed through a different lens. They don’t see immaturity; they see joy.
They see a young star who plays with a genuine love for the game, not someone who’s checked out or disinterested.
Rivers even drew an interesting parallel to Dwight Howard during his Orlando days. Howard was criticized for being too playful, too unserious.
Yet he carried the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals, only to run into a buzzsaw named Kobe Bryant. The message?
Sometimes we misread charisma and joy as a lack of competitiveness-when in reality, they can coexist.
Rivers also posed a thought-provoking question: would you rather have a quiet, stoic superstar like Kawhi Leonard, or someone like LaMelo, who wears his personality on his sleeve? Sure, Kawhi’s résumé speaks for itself-multiple titles, Finals MVPs-but in recent years, his availability and unpredictability have raised questions. The point isn’t to knock Kawhi, but to challenge the idea that there’s only one way to be a franchise player.
The Hornets’ Vision for LaMelo
The Hornets’ commitment to Ball seems firm, at least for now. Trade rumors?
Not happening. Not this season.
And frankly, there’s no indication that the team is even entertaining the idea of moving him. They see him as a foundational piece, someone to build around-not someone to ship out in hopes of a reset.
And let’s be honest: we haven’t truly seen what LaMelo can do with a healthy, reliable supporting cast. That’s starting to change this season.
When Ball has shared the floor with rookies like Kon Knueppel and rising wing Brandon Miller, the results have been encouraging. The Hornets are 6-5 when all three suit up together-not exactly a juggernaut, but a sign of potential growth.
Knueppel’s injuries have slowed the momentum a bit, but when he’s on the floor, you can see the synergy developing. Miller continues to evolve as a two-way threat, and Ball-well, he’s still doing what he does best. He’s playing loose, playing fast, and delivering highlight-reel passes and deep threes with the same swagger that made him a fan favorite from day one.
And here’s the key: he hasn’t had to change who he is. There’s no indication that his teammates are frustrated with his style.
No whispers of locker room tension. If anything, his joy seems to be infectious.
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for LaMelo and the Hornets? That’s still unfolding.
But one thing is clear: the franchise isn’t just tolerating Ball-they’re embracing him. They believe in the player and the person, and they’re willing to bet that his unique blend of flair and feel can be the engine for something bigger.
Austin Rivers’ insight only reinforces what’s becoming more and more evident: LaMelo Ball is the face of this franchise, and the Hornets are building around him-not away from him.