Reevaluate LaMelo Ball as the franchise cornerstone
After receiving the Rookie of the Year award in 2020, LaMelo’s clock has been ticking. As much as he can say Charlotte is a good place, there are better options available for a player of Ball’s caliber. We’ve seen cases of stars signing extensions and then requesting a trade next offseason. A star such as himself, drawn to lights, growing up in Cali, he was made for a big market or at least big market attention.
His style of play is chaotic and entertaining in the best way possible. Think the Showtime Lakers just the Walmart version.
LaMelo is a victim of the “empty stats” label. Some even consider him overrated. I wouldn’t go that far. LaMelo’s skill is undeniable, he just needs some reliable teammates. The loss of his best teammate, Miles Bridges, did not add to the ticking of the clock.
Do the Hornets revert back to the draft? As a small market, the draft is essential for success. However, what good is the No. 1 overall pick if it is in Charlotte’s hand? This recent win streak has given the Hornets a false sense of hope. The record speaks for itself. You are towards the bottom for a reason. And it seems that Charlotte has a long climb up.