The Charlotte Hornets are one of the worst teams, historically, in the NBA. They have never boasted a true superstar, never gotten past the second round, and have missed the playoffs in each of the last nine seasons.
Thanks in large part to the on-court product, the Hornets are usually near the bottom of the league in attendance. Of course, it helps that they have never had a marquee superstar to draw in fans.
With LaMelo Ball’s long-standing viral popularity, that could change. Of course, Ball has been the subject of trade rumors, although his popularity makes it hard to trade him.
GettyCHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 05: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center on March 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Ball’s Popularity Could Keep Him in Charlotte
There is some data to suggest that young people don’t read blog posts. If you’re above the age of 20, it might be impossible for you to grasp that Ball is one of the most popular players in the world.
We remember the Hornets’ old warmup jackets that seemed to be everywhere for no good reason. Ball’s popularity is giving the Hornets a bit of a resurgence, especially among younger fans.
“If you ask anyone who’s Gen Alpha, their favorite NBA player is Lamelo Ball,” pointed out Zena Keita on The Athletic NBA Daily’s October 15th episode. “Like, that man sells shoes. He is incredibly marketable.”
Ball sells merchandise. When he’s healthy, he pushes tickets, and he’s good enough that the Hornets can, feasibly, build a team around him. Would a team really trade its most popular player? The Dallas Mavericks clearly would, but Nico Harrison is one of a kind.
For now, it sounds like Ball is safe in Charlotte.
Pressure to Win Is Mounting for Charlotte Hornets
Of course, jersey sales can only get you so far. Ball is yet to make the postseason and has appeared in 60 games only once.
When he’s on the court, he is an excellent scorer and one of the best passers in the league. Sort of a jumbo-Trae Young, if you will. However, it’s impossible to build around a player as unreliable as him.
That doesn’t mean they will trade him. They might just force him into a secondary role, which might be for the best.
“He’s incredibly relevant,” Keita added. “Charlotte’s going to do whatever they can to just keep him happy, I think, in general. But I think there is pressure for him.”
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