5 ascending candidates to become the next ‘Point God’ of the NBA

NBA Point God Candidate No. 5: LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets

Among the players on this list, Josh Giddey’s game most resembles that of LaMelo Ball. But the young Charlotte Hornets star is in an orbit of his own and has a real chance of being the next point god.

Ball’s first two years in the NBA have been nothing short of phenomenal. He won Rookie of the Year during his first season, despite starting only 31 games. He was significantly better last year, making his first All-Star Game, albeit as an injury replacement for Kevin Durant.

Last season, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.7 rebounds per game. He also saw marked improvements in his three-point shooting and proficiency from the free-throw line.

Before the start of this season, Ball changed the number on his back, shifting from No. 2 to No. 1. Doesn’t take a mathematician to tell you that those numbers add up to 3, which Paul has proudly sported throughout his career.

An ankle injury has kept Ball from suiting up so far this season. There’s little doubt Charlotte has missed his playmaking ability and command of the offense. Ball’s biggest similarity to Paul is that he’s a pass-first guard. You can count on one hand the number of players in the league whose highlights are worth watching not for their scoring, but for their passing. Ball is the leader in that category.

Through little fault of his own, LaMelo Ball came into the NBA with something to prove. In the two years since, he’s proven he could be the next point god.