The Charlotte Hornets appear bound for another disappointing season unfolding with a lackluster 4-12 record already putting them behind eleven East teams in the standings. Recent drama featured speculation about star point guard LaMelo Ball requesting a trade from the franchise sooner than later.
Ball shut down the rumors and claimed that it was “fake news” coming from people outside of his camp. However, NBA insider Marc Stein reports that LaMelo still has some problems with the current situation. Stein had the following to say about Ball’s frustration with the lack of team success:
“LaMelo Ball is not a character concern off the floor by any means, to my understanding, even if sources say it’s indeed true that he’s been frustrated by the team’s lack of forward progress. Ball has played in 47 or fewer games in each of the past three seasons due to injury.”
Stein Compares LaMelo To Anthony Davis
The future of Ball in Charlotte is not certain by any means, despite the point guard making public statements about wanting to stay there. Hornets’ management will have to look at the future with other young pieces becoming more important. Ball suffering another injury or the team failing to show any progress could force a trade.
Stein compared the situation to Anthony Davis and the Dallas Mavericks having a weaker market. “It’s somewhat reminiscent of the situation Anthony Davis faces in Dallas,” Stein said. “The Hornets are unlikely to get the sort of offers for Ball they’d be hoping for until their star guard can get through a stretch of sustained production, availability and ideally some winning.”
The belief is that Charlotte won’t get any good offers for the young point guard to complicate the potential of making a trade. NBA teams are less likely to give up a huge haul unless they feel the piece they’re acquiring will either put them over the top as a contender or make their franchise more relevant. Ball does not hold that appeal to most teams looking to shake things up.
Hornets Prospects More Important Than LaMelo?
The recent return of Brandon Miller from injury should be a huge help for the Hornets. Miller has looked good in his first two seasons, but he’s also had constant injury woes like LaMelo. Rookie Kon Knueppel looks like one of the best players from his draft class and arguably the brightest spot for Charlotte so far this season.
There is a realistic scenario where the Hornets prioritize these two as their most important prospects to build around. Ball spending six seasons in Charlotte means he’s no longer a prospect and could be the first name to get dealt. Hornets’ fans badly want a winner to root for, but the past few years have been miserable with LaMelo as the face of the franchise.
Ball’s future sees this season pivotal to building back momentum for his reputation and playing more than 65 games is the first goal to qualify for awards. If LaMelo is frustrated as well, both parties could be ready to make a move by next offseason if nothing changes regarding team success.
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