Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is one of the most captivating young stars of today’s NBA. Standing at 6’6″ with exciting passing skills and a unique flair to his game, Ball embodies the modern game as well as anybody. However, the reigning Rookie of the Year also claims to have an old-school mentality.
Ball shared this.
“I feel like I still kind of got that mentality that they had back in the day. Even with the switching teams and stuff, they never used to do that. You go to one team, you stay there.”
LaMelo Ball
At just 20 years old, Ball naturally shares less in common with legends of the past than he does with his current peers. But while players of the current era notoriously switch teams at unprecedented rates, Ball’s desire to stay with one team resembles that of an old-school star.
“You supposed to just go to a team and build from there — I feel like that’s how it should be. Especially when you a high pick too, most likely going to a team that wasn’t as good, so you try to make them better. I feel like that’s the whole process right there.”
LaMelo Ball
Hornets fans will likely rejoice from hearing this from their young star. In a league where so many players, young and old, jump from team to team, it can be difficult for organizations to hold on to their core pieces. But for Ball, staying with the Hornets and building from within is a priority.
Potential heading into year two
As he enters his sophomore season, LaMelo Ball’s expectations are sky-high. In year one, Ball ranked first among rookies in assists & steals and second in points & assists, all while playing just 28.8 minutes per game.
With two of Charlotte’s guards departing in the offseason, Ball has even more control over the team. That increased control should mean increased production on a team that contended for a playoff spot in 2021.
