Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal

Quick – name a team in NBA history with two players who pass as well as LaMelo Ball and Ben Simmons on their roster together at once. We’re pretty sure it’s impossible.

That’s partly a product of function. Passing is not a skill teams are normally inclined to double down on. Typically, one elite playmaker is enough to keep an offense humming.

Which begs the question: how would this even look?

Surely, it would be experimental. Simmons’ role alongside Ball in half-court sets is unclear. Having said that, Simmons’ role in half-court sets moving forward is probably unclear on any team.

No matter where he ends up this summer, it feels likely that he’ll be featured as a roll man in pick-and-roll actions more than he ever was on the Philadelphia 76ers.

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If he’s willing to accept that role, this could be a steal for the Charlotte Hornets. When the game speeds up, they might be unbeatable. In fact, Ball and Simmons could end up as one of the most impactful transition duos in the history of the game.