The Charlotte Hornets are experiencing one of their most successful seasons during the LaMelo Ball era. With a record of 38-34, they have surpassed their win totals from the past three seasons. Currently, they sit tied for the 8th-best record in the Eastern Conference and are just two games away from claiming the 6th seed and an automatic playoff spot. With the Milwaukee Bucks trailing by 8.5 games at 11th place, a play-in position seems secured, marking their first since the 2021-22 season.
Rookie Kon Knueppel, selected 4th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, is being credited for the team’s resurgence. Knueppel has broken several 3-point records and is a contender for Rookie of the Year against his college roommate, Cooper Flagg. Nonetheless, All-Star guard LaMelo Ball is having his most significant season so far, a sentiment echoed by “The Ringer” founder Bill Simmons.
LaMelo’s Winning Season
Simmons remarked, “LaMelo is a real winner this season. Statistically, he’s had better years before, but viewing his gameplay reveals the difference. He approaches the point guard position with more thoughtfulness, showcasing less of the recklessness he previously exhibited. It feels less like an AND-1 tournament now; there’s a new awareness in his play that I didn’t think he had.” This evolution has taken six years, embodying the reality that if a point guard hasn’t shown growth, it’s hard to trust in their capabilities.
Shifting Team Dynamics
Drafted 3rd overall in 2020, Ball has been the Hornets’ focal point since winning the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year award and making his All-Star debut the following year. Despite impressive personal statistics, the Hornets have consistently struggled, never finishing better than 9th in the Eastern Conference.
After starting the season poorly with a 15-27 record, the Hornets’ fortunes changed following reports from ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins that Ball had disagreements with head coach Charles Lee. This spurred a 9-game winning streak before the All-Star break, propelling them back into playoff contention.
Finding Balance in Play
While LaMelo’s current average of 19.7 points per game is the lowest since his rookie year, it reflects his shift in approach. He’s taking four fewer shots per game compared to last season, with his usage rate down to 32.1. Zach Lowe noted that while Ball may have always possessed this level of talent, his previous flashy style led critics to overlook his substantial contributions to the team’s offense.
Lowe emphasized, “People became frustrated with the occasional wild plays, overlooking his statistical contributions. Now, he seems to have found a balance that reflects positively on his game, making him a valued NBA player.” LaMelo’s 2.8 turnovers per game mark a career low, indicating his growth as both a player and a leader. At just 24 and in his sixth year, paired with teammates like Knueppel, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges, the Hornets appear to be a few pieces away from becoming serious contenders.
