There’s not much the Charlotte Hornets can do at this point in the season other than grow, get better, and build. Charlotte has reached 50 losses, which has them sharing the basement of the Eastern Conference with the Washington Wizards. It’s a location Charlotte knows all too well, having taken up residence there for the past three seasons. Despite the franchise’s losing stretch in recent years, a few bright spots exist. Hornets have the electric LaMelo Ball and Charles Lee, a deserving man of the head coach position in the NBA, who appears to be a good fit in Charlotte despite the terrible results in the wins and losses column. Ball’s future in Charlotte is up in the air, but in the present, the superstar is doing much to impress his head coach.
Hornets Coach Challenges Superstar In Role of Leadership
Charlotte Hornets HC Charles Lee Says LaMelo Ball Excels in Two-Way Game; Needs to Work On His Leadership
Whether Ball’s NBA future plays out in Charlotte or elsewhere is a conversation likely to turn up in the offseason. Ball’s status with the organization was already a topic of discussion earlier in the season before the February trade deadline. Right now, though, Lee isn’t focusing on Ball’s status for next season. Instead, Lee sees elements of Ball’s game that excite and impress him, and rightfully so. Ball is one of the league’s most electric, high-flying, entertaining players today. He’s not afraid to do things on the court, and he’s certainly not afraid to put up shots at rates kids do on a park basketball court. Ball is unique, as is his gravitational personality. That said, while his skill set impresses Lee, there is also more Ball can do to add to his repertoire, according to Lee, in speaking with Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer.
“I think offensively he continues to take what the game is giving him, which was a big part of our success last game (in San Antonio). If they are going to put two on the ball, he’s trusting the pass, he’s trusting his teammates. If they don’t put two on the ball, it’s a great opportunity for him to be able to score. There’s so many elements that he can continue to add to his game, certainly with the ball. He’s getting better off the ball and that’s all we can ask of him, is to continue to compete and trust his teammates and keep building his leadership.”
If taking what the game is giving Ball includes shooting a copious amount of shots per game, then it is what it is at this point. Ball averages 25.4 PPG—a career high. His points production has increased with each season in Charlotte. But Ball also contributes in other ways, as Lee points out. However, there is one area that Ball can continue to grow in. If he takes it seriously, it could have a significant effect on not only his overall game but also his identity as a basketball player.
Growing Into Leadership
A handful of players in today’s game lead with leadership in front of their stat lines. As talented and gifted as he is, Ball will likely have his stat line at the forefront. That doesn’t mean he can’t mold into a solid leader, though. The same guy who walks around with an energetic, playful demeanor and capability to draw immediate laughs (as seen in this hilarious Halloween-themed clip from earlier in the season) is the same guy Lee believes can morph into a leader.
“The goal for him is to continue to get better every day and I think try to work on his leadership,” Lee said. “But outside of the leadership, just being a great two-way player on both sides of the court. I think that goes into how he can continue to lead by example with his daily defensive preparation.”
Ball’s talent and skill are undeniable, and his entertainment factor is made for TV. However, winning in the NBA takes more than talent. Ball is only in his fifth season. He still has time on his side to grow into the leader his coach believes he can be. Of course, hopefully that growth comes without sacrificing the side of him that goes around slapping clown heads in fits of fear.
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