Is LaMelo Ball the greatest basketball player we have ever seen? Definitely not, but heโs certainly making a case for being one of the most โexcitingโ hoopers to come to the NBA in recent years. The Hornets All-Star guard has been on an absolute tear of late, mincing defenses with his long-distance shooting and crafty handles.
Over the course of his last four games, LaMelo Ball has averaged 40.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists, including his recent 50-point bomb against the Milwaukee Bucks. The numbers are remarkable, but itโs how heโs achieving them that has the NBA buzzing.
LaMelo from the fucking logo pic.twitter.com/WTPXcPaHB2
โ แด ส แด แดก (@FeelLikeDrew) November 28, 2024
From audacious logo threes to one-legged step-back shots that seem pulled straight out of a pickup game, Ball is redefining flair and creativity on the court. His unique style blends streetball swagger with professional-level precision, making every Hornets game must-watch television.
LaMelo Ball is back to his high school ways
What sets LaMelo Ball apart isnโt just his production, itโs the sheer joy and freedom with which he plays. Watching him right now feels like a throwback to his high school days at Chino Hills, where he regularly launched half-court shots and toyed with defenses. The difference? Now heโs doing it against the best athletes in the world.
His ability to hit ridiculous shots, whether itโs a fadeaway three with a defender draped over him or an effortless pull-up from the logo, makes him a spectacle. Despite the pressure of being the focal point of his team, Ball looks like heโs playing in a high school gymโcalm, confident, and completely unbothered.
gotta hit the one-leg 3 ๐ซก@MELOD1P | @Lowes | ๐น @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/VQFDNewPRh
โ Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 28, 2024
In the Bucks game alone, Ball hit several absurd shots. He launched nearly 38 shots, drinking 17 of them en route his career high fifty piece against Milwaukee. His offensive production was much needed for a Hornets team struggling to find offensive rhythm without two of their offensive creators in Miles Bridges and Tre Mann.
As thrilling as LaMelo Ballโs performances have been, his shooting efficiency remains a work in progress. Across his recent scoring tear, Ball is shooting 44% from the field and 33.9% from beyond the arc. On one hand, these numbers are respectable, considering the high degree of difficulty in his shot selection. However, they do leave room for improvement, especially for a player tasked with leading a franchise.
However, even though Ballโs scoring has been a standout, it is important to know the status of the Charlotte Hornets despite his incredible play.
Can LaMelo Ball lead the Hornets to the playoffs?
While LaMelo Ball is playing some of the most exciting basketball weโve seen in years, the Hornets still sit near the bottom of the standings. The teamโs reliance on him to carry the load offensively speaks volumes about their current state. His performances have kept them competitive, but without significant help, itโs hard to envision Charlotte breaking into playoff contention.
They are currently the 12th seed in the middling Eastern Conference with a 6-12 record. Notably, during Ballโs four game stretch of scoring mayhem, the Hornets have gone 1-3, struggling to put up a stand against other playoff teams in their conference. Some of the blame does go to his own offensive tendencies, which do not help the offensive culture of the team.
His ability to create shots for himself and others is undeniable. Ballโs 8.3 assists per game during this stretch show that heโs not just a scorer, but also a playmaker, who can involve teammates in creative ways. However, his volume shooting (a whopping 32.5 attempts per game in this span) sometimes leads to possessions where the offense stagnates.
Lamelo Ball doesnโt care AT ALL. This is insane.
HAND DOWN MAN DOWN pic.twitter.com/Bg24ohN2D3
โ Mark Jacksonโs Burner (@casualtakeking) November 26, 2024
For now, though, the basketball world canโt get enough of LaMelo Ball. Whether heโs hitting a one-legged three-pointer from 30 feet out, or threading the needle with a no-look pass, every moment heโs on the floor feels like a highlight waiting to happen.
