LaMelo Ball to be the focal point of this team moving forward

While he did miss some time near the midway point in the season due to a fractured wrist, LaMelo Ball is still expected to win this year’s Rookie of the Year award, which would mean he would win the award after playing in just 51 games, the second-least amount of games by a Rookie of the Year award winner. 

Kyrie Irving won the award during the 2011-12 season after playing in 51 games as well, but Vince Carter (1998-99) and Patrick Ewing (1985-86) hold the league record for least number of games played and winning Rookie of the Year with just 50 games. 

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He did miss some time, but that should not discredit what LaMelo Ball did for the Hornets this year and what he meant to this team. Ball is a huge reason why Charlotte made the play-in tournament this year and why they are a threat to become some special in the Eastern Conference moving forward. 

This season, LaMelo Ball averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 steals and shot 43.6% from the floor, 35.2% from three-point range. Moving forward, Ball is going to be the focal point of the Charlotte Hornets and will be the face of the franchise. 

Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier will also be the focal points of this team, but next season, LaMelo Ball is going to take on a larger role in this team’s offense. Having Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham to lean on as primary ball-handlers during his rookie season was great for LaMelo Ball that way he could transition into the NBA, but next season, he is going to be the primary facilitator and distributor for this team. 

All of the offense is going to flow through Ball, with Rozier and Graham being more of off-the-ball scoring/shooting options. This is LaMelo Ball’s team and next season, he is going to become an even better all-around player, helping lift the Hornets to playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.