Charlotte Hornets: 3 options with the No. 3 pick in the NBA draft
By Chip Murphy
Charlotte Hornets NBA draft option No. 2: LaMelo Ball
Nothing about LaMelo Ball says small market. He’s easily the most popular player in the draft. Ball’s family starred in their own reality show and appeared on WWE Monday Night Raw. His father, LaVar, is a walking sound bite, and his brother Lonzo just finished his third NBA season.
LaVar already made headlines by declaring the Knicks the best fit for his youngest son. But to his credit LaMelo was quick to disagree with his father, saying he could play on any team. This works out perfectly for the small market Hornets because they could really use him.
Charlotte was 29th in offensive rating last season. They need a lead guard who can help fix that offense. That’s exactly what Ball is. One of his most extraordinary skills is his ability to lead an up-tempo offense. Charlotte was dead last in pace and 23rd in fast-break points last season.
The biggest concern with Ball is his weird-looking jump shot. He reminds people of his brother — both good and bad. There’s hope he can turn it around among the dedicated Ball supporters, but his detractors aren’t quite as bullish.
The Hornets only managed 23 wins last season but still finished ninth in the weak Eastern Conference. It was a lot more than expected. They were Kemba Walker’s team for eight seasons, and their future is uncertain without him.
The biggest problem with the Hornets is that when you think about them, the first — and probably only — person you associate with the team is the owner. Especially now, without Kemba. Drafting LaMelo Ball would change that.
I’m not saying to draft a guy just because he would sell tickets. Ball would do more than that. He’d give the Hornets an identity. He’d energize the offense and make them more than just the team Michael Jordan owns and Kemba Walker used to play for.