LaMelo Ball is back, and he’s reminding NBA fans why he’s one of the league’s most exciting players. While the Charlotte Hornets continue to rebuild under new head coach Charles Lee, Ball is injecting life into a team that’s struggled for relevance. He’s lit up the scoreboard in each of the Hornets’ first three games, posting dazzling numbers and jaw-dropping moves. Ball’s latest show-stopper came against the Atlanta Hawks, where he effortlessly broke down defenses, drawing defenders only to slip past them with breathtaking finesse—a move few players could pull off.
After two injury-riddled seasons, Ball’s been on a tear, dropping 34 points in both the season opener and in Charlotte’s comeback win over the Houston Rockets, where he nailed nine threes. Even his “off” night—a 27-8-7 stat line against the Miami Heat—was enough to keep fans on their feet. His return to form has Hornets fans optimistic, as he brings much-needed energy and star power to a team finally starting to look cohesive.
But for all his brilliance, Ball is still a paradox. He excels in the most difficult areas, like three-point shooting and court vision, while struggling with finishing at the rim—a puzzling weakness given his 6’7″ frame. His tendency for over-ambitious passes and shaky defense are reminders that he’s still refining his game. However, it’s hard to fault Ball for taking risks when those same instincts often lead to highlight-reel plays.
The Hornets themselves are a work in progress. Charles Lee’s leadership is helping create a more coherent, promising unit with young talent like Brandon Miller and rookie Tidjane Salaün showing early potential. But as the team takes shape, Ball is undeniably the star of the show, making the Hornets exciting and unpredictable. He may not be a complete player yet, but Ball’s impact is clear: he’s fun, he’s unpredictable, and he’s giving Charlotte fans a reason to tune in again. As the season unfolds, Ball’s return could be the spark that finally gets the Hornets out of the basement.
