Are the Charlotte Hornets misusing LaMelo Ball?
This was a situation that I was scared of when the NBA Draft occurred. With a player of his stature, LaMelo Ball should be put in a position to become the face of a franchise right away. It was difficult to watch LaMelo have to come off the bench in his first game with the Charlotte Hornets against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There has to be a scheme that James Borrego has that many of us do not see yet.
Many are concerned with LaMelo’s lack of scoring through the preseason. Although he shows to be a pass-first player to begin, he has the ability to be a valuable scorer when needed. Maybe the intensity of the NBA is getting to LaMelo early. There just has to be a way where he can become more effective on offense.
It seems as if LaMelo doesn’t want to hinder the emergence of his teammates. Players in Devonte’ Graham, Malik Monk, Terry Rozier, and others have shown to become elite players on the offensive end.
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Bringing in LaMelo is only supposed to elevate the play of everyone. But maybe LaMelo doesn’t seem to understand that yet. He wants to find ways to keep his teammates happy and help them continue to play at a high level. It seems to be a difficult task to score and facilitate so far. But LaMelo’s effectiveness can take the team to another level.
The first game of the season was a prime example. The early game jitters showed from LaMelo and he really wanted to be a driving force. Although he had good looks from the perimeter, it just wasn’t knocking down for LaMelo in his first game. The lack of scoring also seems to shake his confidence as well. LaMelo tended to have some costly turnovers as Cleveland was able to secure more possessions.
He may not display it as of yet, but LaMelo Ball is a spectacular player. Many of us understand that he can become a scorching hot scorer when plays are set for him. LaMelo is the type of player that needs to have the offense revolve around him. When he has the ability to take control of the game, it means great things for him and his team. It will be a difficult task for coach Borrego to utilize LaMelo, Graham, and Rozier at the point guard position. But with adjustments and sacrifice, this team can make it work.
The Hornets drafted LaMelo for a reason. They understand his name is box office and he amazes the fans on a nightly basis. As the season progresses, Coach Borrego should certainly insert LaMelo into the starting lineup. Only good things will come with LaMelo controlling the offense and pace of the game.