LaMelo Ball’s Playmaking is Quietly Elite - and the Hornets Know It
LaMelo Ball has taken his fair share of heat over the last few seasons - some of it fair, some of it not. But if you’re paying attention to what’s actually happening on the court, the numbers (and the tape) tell a different story. Despite the injuries and inconsistency, Ball is quietly operating in the same playmaking stratosphere as guys like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic.
That’s not hyperbole - it’s backed by data. According to B-Ball Index, which tracks advanced metrics like passing creation quality and the offensive impact a player has on his teammates’ shot opportunities, Ball is right there with the league’s elite.
Jokic and Doncic are the usual suspects when it comes to generating high-quality looks for their teammates. Stephen Curry also makes the list - his gravity alone warps defenses and opens up space for others.
But here’s the surprise: LaMelo Ball is in that mix too. If you haven’t been watching Hornets basketball (and let’s be honest, many haven’t), this might come as a shock. But for those who’ve followed Ball since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2021, this is just the latest reminder of what he’s capable of when healthy and engaged.
The Numbers Don't Lie
Ball is currently averaging 8.8 assists per game - a solid number on its own. But when you scale it to per-36-minute production, he’s dishing out 10.9 assists, second only to Nikola Jokic’s 11.2. That’s elite company, and it speaks volumes about Ball’s court vision and ability to manipulate defenses.
What sets Ball apart isn’t just the raw assist numbers - it’s how he’s creating those opportunities. He’s not just racking up assists on simple drive-and-kicks or transition lobs.
He’s threading the needle in the halfcourt, hitting teammates in stride, and creating open looks out of nothing. His passing creativity and timing are advanced beyond his years, and when he’s on the floor, the Hornets’ offense flows with a different rhythm.
A Breakout Performance - and a Reminder
Before his offensive outburst against the Hawks on Thursday, Ball had been struggling with his shot. His efficiency had dipped, and it had been a full month since he shot over 50% in a game.
But against Atlanta, he reminded everyone what he’s capable of when his jumper is falling. He hit seven threes in the first half and carried Charlotte down the stretch, scoring seven straight points in the clutch.
He finished the night shooting 62.5% - his best mark in weeks.
It was a flash of the offensive upside that made him such a tantalizing prospect coming into the league. When Ball is healthy and confident, he’s not just a pass-first point guard - he’s a legitimate scoring threat who can take over games.
Why the Hornets Are Still Betting on Ball
Despite all the trade rumors and questions about his long-term fit, the Hornets have held firm. And it’s not hard to see why.
Finding a point guard who can orchestrate an offense like Ball can - while also having the potential to be a top-tier scorer - is no easy task. He’s the kind of player who can elevate everyone around him, and that’s exactly what Charlotte needs as it builds toward the future.
Yes, the injuries have been a concern. And yes, his impact on winning hasn’t always been clear-cut. But when Ball is locked in and surrounded by the right pieces, he’s shown flashes of being the kind of floor general who can change a franchise’s trajectory.
And speaking of pieces - the Hornets are starting to put something together. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel are emerging as versatile wings with two-way potential.
Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate offer size and defensive presence in the paint. Tidjane Salaun, Sion James, and Josh Green bring potential as 3-and-D role players.
Even Miles Bridges, despite the questions around his role, has shown he can provide scoring punch - perhaps better suited as a sixth man alongside Collin Sexton than a starting forward.
The Foundation Is There
This isn’t a finished product, not by a long shot. The Hornets still have roster holes to address and internal development to prioritize.
But the foundation is taking shape. And at the center of it all is LaMelo Ball - a point guard with elite vision, underrated leadership, and the ability to bring it all together.
If he stays healthy and continues to grow, the Hornets may not need to look elsewhere for their franchise cornerstone. They might already have him.