Charlotte Hornets: 3 bold predictions for remainder of the season
By Dalton Sell
Charlotte Hornets: Bold predictions – LaMelo Ball will win Rookie of the Year
LaMelo Ball was arguably the biggest name heading into the 2020 NBA Draft, and it was an easy decision for the Charlotte Hornets to select him third overall. Ball has suited up in all 14 games this season, serving as the team’s sixth man, and he is making a strong impression early on with some stellar numbers.
The 19-year-old is currently averaging 11.8 points on a .403/.333/.679 slash line, 6.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.5 steals in 25.2 minutes per game. LaMelo leads all rookies in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals, unquestionably making a name for himself early. While his efficiency on the offensive end is still a work-in-progress, Ball looks like a star in the making throughout his 14 appearances.
At this moment, Ball appears to be the surefire favorite for Rookie of the Year honors. It seems that he is breaking records with each passing game, most notably becoming the youngest player to ever record a triple-double with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win against the Atlanta Hawks earlier this month.
Perhaps no one better described LaMelo’s hot start to the season than Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Following a Dallas victory over the Hornets earlier this month, the coach spoke highly of the guard, transcribed by Cody Taylor of USA Today’s Rookie Wire:
"“He’s terrific,” Carlisle said. “Right now, with the way things look, he looks like Rookie of the Year to me. He’s getting it done statistically, their team is winning, he’s got energy, he’s got a vibe, he’s got swagger. If you like watching players that play with flair, he’s right up there. He had a huge game against us. We have great respect for him. That’s about all I can say about it – the guy is getting the job done on the floor.”"
LaMelo Ball has undoubtedly taken the NBA world by storm, and this could just be the beginning for the promising young guard. He is already in the driver’s seat for Rookie of the Year, but a trade in the backcourt could further increase his odds, which leads to the final bold prediction.