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7 young stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA

By Donald Hamilton

Feb 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks to Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) after the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Predicting who will be the next face of the NBA
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 07: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court against the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on May 07, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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) /

7 stars most likely to be the next face of the NBA: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Flamboyant, unique, flashy, and confident – that is how one would describe Charlotte Hornets sophomore star guard LaMelo Ball. He’s been a social media star since he was 13 years old, playing alongside his older brothers LiAngelo Ball and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. His father, Lavar Ball, told us he would become the best of the brothers years ago, and LaMelo has done nothing to disappoint.

Ball came into the NBA with a lot of fanfare and averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game in 51 games of action his rookie season, good enough to earn him the Rookie of the Year award.

He has instantly changed the culture in Charlotte since he (3rd overall pick in 2020) and has made the Hornets must-watch TV with his flashy passes and deep shot-making ability. Plus, his 6-7 stature makes him even harder to guard at the point guard position.

The youngster has improved his points per game (19.7), assists (7.3), and rebounds (6.9) this year, while also being selected to his first All-Star selection. He is the fourth-youngest player to ever get selected to the game (Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson).

At the time of writing this, the Hornets are ninth in the East and will be in the play-in tournament for the second year in a row. Ball will need to help the Hornets find more success and become a better defender and scorer in order to become the face of the NBA.

That being said, he has everything you want in a potential torchbearer of the league, from the media presence, to the game, to the way young kids love watching him.