Why this season is pivotal for Hornets star LaMelo Ball
As the Charlotte Hornets head into the 2024-25 season, they face significant pressure to achieve only their second winning season since 2015-2016. The team’s success largely depends on the availability and performance of star point guard LaMelo Ball.
Selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball was seen as the foundation for what has become a lengthy rebuild for the Hornets. The franchise envisions him as their cornerstone for the next decade or more, but this season will be critical in determining if the 22-year-old can truly fulfill that role.
Injuries have plagued Ball throughout his four seasons, causing him to miss substantial playing time. Out of 324 potential regular-season games since he joined the league, he has appeared in just 184, or roughly 57%. When healthy, Ball is undeniably one of the league’s most entertaining players, yet he has never played more than 75 games in a season.
The Hornets have reached the play-in tournament twice during Ball’s tenure, but both attempts ended in decisive losses to the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks. Ball’s underwhelming performances in those crucial games have led some to question his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Adding to the tension, Brandon Miller’s emergence as the team’s top player during Ball’s injury absence last season has further intensified scrutiny on Ball. Another injury-prone season could even prompt the Hornets to consider trading him.
With perhaps their strongest roster since 2015-2016, Charlotte is eager to return to the playoffs. A healthy and productive LaMelo Ball is essential to making that happen.
