The strategy that once had basketball fans scratching their heads has now become the catalyst for the Hornets' resurgence. When head coach Charles Lee decided to protect LaMelo Ball, it marked a pivotal shift for Charlotte, transforming them from a team of potential to one of real promise.
This isn't just a lucky streak for the Hornets. The stats reveal a foundation for long-term success. Earlier this week, on the Club 520 podcast, former NBA veteran Jeff Teague and his brother Marquis highlighted the significant influence Charles Lee has had on LaMelo Ball.
“Our offense runs through and with him. We see our on-off numbers with him on the court. He impacts our winning to a level that is hard to compare to anyone across the league in terms of playmaking," they noted.
So, what do these numbers look like? Over the past 15 games, the Hornets lead the league in 3-point percentage, true shooting, free throws, rebounds, opponent rebounds, and opponent second-chance points.
The takeaway? Charlotte needs Ball on the court, and they need him badly.
It's a risky strategy, hinging on a player who missed over 100 games out of 246 from 2022 through last season. But that's why bringing Ball off the bench during certain back-to-back games was a game-changer. Initially puzzling to fans and media, it soon became clear: rest him for most of the game, then unleash him in the crucial fourth quarter.
Charlotte struggled to close games in the first half of the season, going 4-16 in contests decided by 10 points or less. But the tide is turning. With rookie Knueppel setting records and Miller scoring efficiently, Ball remains the driving force for the Hornets.
He's not just meeting expectations; he's embodying the star potential projected for him since being drafted second overall in 2020. This Hornets team is poised for an exciting journey ahead.