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4 youngsters who could make their first NBA All-Star game

By Elaine Blum

Nov 10, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles as Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2021; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles as Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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4 youngsters who could make their first NBA All-Star game
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 23: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after being called for a technical foul in the third quarter during their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Spectrum Center on January 23, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina, 4 youngsters who could make their first NBA All-Star game. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Youngsters who could make their first NBA All-Star game: 2. LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets’ point guard is currently in his second NBA season after being picked third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds last season he was voted NBA Rookie of the Year.

Since then, he has pumped up his averages to 19.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists while recording a 41.9 field goal percentage, 37.2 3-pointer percentage, and an 88.3 free-throw percentage.

These stats show a huge improvement from his rookie season, and he also managed to lower his number of turnovers. Ball is making enormous contributions to the Hornets’ journey, as they are on their way to what might just be their first playoff appearance since the 2016 season.

Ball already recorded three triple-doubles so far this season, making him one of ten players with multiple triple-doubles this season. He is currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference’s fan voting, trailing behind James Harden, Zach Lavine, Trae Young, and Demar Derozan.

The youngster is facing some harsh competition in these players but still has a chance to be a reserve in the All-Star Game in February. If the Hornets continue to succeed, those chances will skyrocket, too.