Charlotte Hornets: Ranking all 5 starters for the 2021-22 season

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 08: Gordon Hayward #20 of the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets react after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans during a NBA game at Smoothie King Center on January 08, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

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Charlotte Hornets Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images /

Charlotte Hornets starters ranked: 2. PG LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball isn’t even the best player on the Hornets roster – yet. But it should only be a matter of time before he takes that title, as well as the title of one of the league’s elite superstars.

The polarizing prospect proved the doubters wrong through much of his first season, all the way earning Rookie of the Year honors. He contributed across the board, averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Ball’s ability as a playmaker is just absurd. A highlight reel can easily be thrown together of some of his most memorable passes of the season. Sometimes his elite vision can lead him to try a little too hard – 2.8 turnovers per game – but he’ll make better decisions as he gets into a better groove in the future.

While far from an elite defender, Ball also showed some ability to pick the pockets of his opponents. The rookie averaged 1.6 steals per game, finishing ninth in the NBA. His 2.7 steal percentage ranked fifth in the league.

His three-point shooting could also use some work. He averaged 5.1 attempts per game from three, showing no hesitation from distance. But his 35.2 percent conversion rate ranked seventh among typical Hornets rotation players.

Like all young players, Ball has room to grow. It wouldn’t be a shock to see him top this list as soon as next year.

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