Kendrick Perkins has seen enough. The ESPN analyst made a direct appeal to Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, urging the young guard to take his next leap now that the Eastern Conference appears more open than ever, per Yahoo.
During a recent segment on NBA Today, Perkins said it’s time for LaMelo to show that his elite skill and flashy highlights can finally translate into meaningful wins. “He has to be a better defender, right? Like averaging a little bit over three fouls a game. The only two people that were worse than him were Karl-Anthony Towns and Jaren Jackson Jr.,” Perkins said, noting that talent alone won’t be enough to lift Charlotte into playoff contention.
The Hornets have failed to reach the postseason in all five seasons since drafting Ball, and frustration has quietly built within the organization and fan base. Perkins’ message resonated because it comes at a time when Charlotte has quietly upgraded its roster and coaching staff.
Hornets’ Roster Takes Shape as Season Nears
The Hornets enter the 2025–26 season with renewed optimism. Duke standout Kon Knueppel joined as the No. 4 overall pick in June’s draft, third-year forward Brandon Miller is healthy again, and Collin Sexton brings instant offense off the bench. Charlotte’s front office believes the combination of young talent and new head coach Charles Lee can finally stabilize a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for years.
In the preseason, Ball has looked sharp, averaging 17.3 points on 54.5 percent shooting along with 5.3 assists per game. Those numbers build off his 2024–25 campaign when he posted 25.4 points and 7.2 assists in 47 games.
As the roster trimmed to its final form, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Hornets waived veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie, confirming Charlotte’s 15-man group for opening night Last Word On Sports reports. The move solidified roles for Pat Connaughton and Moussa Diabate. Connaughton, acquired from Milwaukee, adds defensive depth and perimeter shooting, while Diabate’s energetic rebounding and rim protection earned him a spot after a strong preseason.
According to The Dallas Morning News, Connaughton averaged six points and six rebounds in under nine minutes per game this preseason, while Diabate posted 5.7 points and 6.2 boards across 72 appearances last year. Those rotation pieces, combined with a healthy Miller and the arrival of Knueppel, give Ball more support than he’s had in years.
Perkins Challenges LaMelo to Lead on both Ends
For Perkins, leadership remains the defining test. “As the guy that’s the franchise player, you have to take ownership and you have to defend,” he said. “We know he can do everything else. And last but not least, the availability. Being on the floor, being healthy. Some things you can’t control, but some things you can.”
Ball has battled ankle injuries that limited his growth, but Perkins believes the guard’s effort and preparation will determine whether Charlotte finally turns a corner. “How many times are you in the gym? How many times are you actually doing the correctives before the weightlifting? The sky’s the limit for this young man,” Perkins added.
The East is more unpredictable than ever. Boston’s Jayson Tatum remains sidelined, last season’s finalists in Indiana are dealing with injuries, and no clear favorite has emerged. Perkins’ message was simple: this is the Hornets’ window.
Charlotte owns the personnel to compete but must commit to defense and consistent leadership from LaMelo Ball. His ability to stay healthy and elevate his teammates could dictate whether the Hornets finally end their playoff drought or spend another season watching from home.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Kendrick Perkins Sends Plea to LaMelo Ball since the East is ‘Wide Open’ appeared first on Heavy Sports.