LaMelo Ball sidelined as Hornets falter against Raptors
In a tense finish against the Toronto Raptors, the Charlotte Hornets found themselves in a precarious position. With the game on the line and trailing by two points, Miles Bridges was given the opportunity to salvage the situation. However, his shot clanged off the rim, sealing the Hornets’ fate in a 108-106 loss.
Bridges’ Missed Opportunity
Bridges logged an impressive 38 minutes on the court, the most of any Hornet that night. Still, the decision to entrust him with the decisive shot raises eyebrows. LaMelo Ball, the team’s standout and an All-Star, stood by as Bridges attempted to tie the game. In retrospect, Head Coach Charles Lee’s choice to sideline Ball in that moment appears questionable.
While Bridges had been a focal point throughout the game, his shooting performance was far from stellar. He finished the night with a disappointing 9-of-21 shooting, a far cry from the efficiency needed in clutch moments. The Hornets struggled as a unit, shooting just 43 percent from the field, revealing a broader issue with their offensive strategy.
The Case for Ball
Despite his own struggles—Ball connected on only 6 of 19 attempts—his status as the franchise player should have warranted a different approach. With his ability to create plays and make big shots, Ball should have been the go-to option. The decision to bypass him in favor of Bridges not only reflects a lack of trust but also raises questions about the Hornets’ direction.
In critical moments, a team must lean on its best players. Regardless of the outcome, trusting Ball with that last shot would have sent a powerful message about his role in the franchise. The missed opportunity underscores the team’s ongoing struggles to find its identity.
A Franchise in Limbo
As the season unfolds, the Hornets appear destined for another disappointing finish. The early signs suggest a familiar narrative: despite ambitions for improvement, this team may once again find itself vying for a top-ten draft pick. The offseason moves orchestrated by General Manager Jeff Peterson have yet to yield the desired results, with new acquisitions struggling to find their footing.
The Hornets are mired in a cycle of mediocrity, reminiscent of the era following Kemba Walker’s departure to the Boston Celtics. Fans are left wondering when the franchise will regain its competitive edge and how long it will take for Ball to be placed in the position he deserves—a central role in the team’s quest for success.
As the Hornets continue to navigate this tumultuous season, the need for decisive leadership and trust in their best player becomes ever more apparent. The road ahead may be long, but it’s clear that embracing LaMelo Ball’s capabilities is essential for any hope of future success.
