Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – FEBRUARY 02 : LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 02, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts, Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /

Ranking first-time NBA All-Stars by future potential: LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets superstar makes a compelling case to rank first on this list. LaMelo Ball has emerged as one of the most entertaining and dazzling players in the league and he’s only in his second season.

As a sophomore, Ball is averaging a cool 20.0 points per game, in addition to 7.5 assists and 7.1 rebounds. He has shown increased promise at improving his shooting, too, knocking down 36.7 percent of his three-pointers.

Sometimes it doesn’t get enough respect, but Ball is brilliant when it comes to playing the passing lanes. That has helped him to swipe 1.6 steals per game, the second straight year with that average. He finished ninth in the league last year and is on pace to finish in the top ten once more.

It’s harder to quantify the effect Ball has on this offense. He’s a playmaker extraordinaire, always looking for ways to make slick passes that defenders have no ways of stopping. Ball setting up Miles Bridges for massive dunks has become a nightly highlights staple.

There are more warts to Ball’s game than the person who bested him on this list. He’s one of the league leaders in each of the following categories – missed field goals, turnovers, and personal fouls. In those arenas, Ball isn’t doing enough to advance the cause for the Hornets.

Nevertheless, his mere presence is indisputably pushing the franchise in the right direction. It’s been a long time since the Hornets have had a player with the skills Ball has and he’s still so young. The sky is the limit for this kid.