Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has received a rather strong prediction heading into the new NBA season.
The Charlotte Hornets should actually be one of the more compelling teams to watch in the Eastern Conference heading into the new NBA campaign. With an improved roster and a very solid young nucleus, the Hornets actually appear to be building something positive. Of course, much of their success will hinge on LaMelo Ball.
Ball is one of the league's most talented young players, but injuries have prevented him from truly establishing himself in recent years. He has played in just 105 games over the last three seasons, which has spiked trade speculation surrounding the former No. 3 overall pick.
However, Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey sees a much more fruitful campaign in store for Ball in 2025-26, predicting the 24-year-old to make it back to the All-Star team for the first time since 2021-22.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images."LaMelo Ball should now spend plenty of time surrounded by multiple high-end floor spacers on the wings in Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Incoming rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner already looks like a good option for rim-running, and Miles Bridges is still around to finish plays as a cutter or in transition," Bailey wrote. "All that should translate to a more competitive Charlotte roster. And if Ball's typically gaudy production accompanies that, he'll make the All-Star team."
Ball entered the league in 2020 and won the Rookie of the Year award during his first season. He has averaged over 20 points per game in every year since then, but largely due to his inability to stay healthy, he has only made one All-Star appearance.
Last year, Ball appeared in 47 contests and was impressive when he was on the floor, averaging 25.2 points, 7.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds over 32 minutes per game on 40.5/33.9/84.3 shooting splits. The percentages could obviously stand to improve, but overall, he posted good numbers.
Bailey is right, too: the Hornets should be considerably more competitive this year, which should bring more attention to Ball.
Charlotte won just 19 games last season, but with a stronger roster and in a more watered-down Eastern Conference, the Hornets could come close to doubling that win total. Or, at the very least, they should be able to win around 30 games.