The Charlotte Hornets want star guard LaMelo Ball to “take a leap in becoming more of a leader” during the 2025-26 NBA season, according to the Charlotte Observer‘s Roderick Boone.
Boone reported that was one idea behind acquiring veteran Collin Sexton, who can almost be a mentor or sorts for Ball even though they’re only two years apart.
Per Boone, head coach Charles Lee has witnessed some encouraging signs already.
“Lee, who had dinner with Ball and president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson earlier in the week to discuss goals, summer impressions, and personal growth, said Ball has registered a couple of personal records in the weight room this summer and was focused on building up his base,” the Hornets insider wrote.
“Lee also said he sees clear growth in Ball on the defensive side, especially on high-effort plays, but emphasizes there’s a need for continued improvement in foul discipline and defensive consistency.”Lee also said he sees clear growth in Ball on the defensive side, especially on high-effort plays, but emphasizes there’s a need for continued improvement in foul discipline and defensive consistency.”
Staying healthy is Ball’s primary objective this season.
The 2020-21 Rookie of the Year has appeared in 60-plus games just once since entering the NBA. Last year, he was limited to 47 appearances before eventually getting shut down altogether in March thanks to ankle and wrist injuries.
With Ball, it’s tough to totally divorce Charlotte’s general futility from his status within the squad. The Hornets have had a winning record just once since picking him in the 2020 draft.
That’s not entirely the fault of the 6’7″ playmaker, but he deserves some blame when his career usage rate (30.2 percent) is on pace to be 12th all time. At some point, his impressive individual production needs to translate into wins.
The trouble for Charlotte is that it could end up being a lottery team once again after not making any big additions this summer. The Hornets are counting on Ball and Brandon Miller to make big leaps on the floor to close the gap on the contenders in the Eastern Conference.
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