The Charlotte Hornets have had an incredible run in the second half of the season, developing a young trio in Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and LaMelo Ball. They are now placed 10th in the Eastern Conference, poised to make the play-ins and probably battle with the Miami Heat. And Ball’s turnaround as a point guard has impressed several fans and analysts.
On ‘The Bill Simmons Show,’ Bill Simmons and Zach Lowe discussed some names who have played amazing basketball this season and have established themselves as “winners.” The two discussed how Ball has improved his playing style to fit the Hornets’ offense better. Simmons said:
“He’s actually had seasons with better ‘stats.’ This is a classic eye test; you have to watch it. I love the way he’s playing… there’s real thoughtfulness in how he’s playing the point guard position now and how he’s not as risky and reckless as he was.”
Simmons also stated that LaMelo Ball understood that he needed to use two great scoring options on the offense and bring out the best in them. Averaging 19.1 points in his rookie season, Knueppel has already set the record for most made threes by a rookie.
Ball, who leads the team in assists per game (7.1), has facilitated the scorers and also created a good lob threat with the center Moussa Diabaté. Simmons also called Miller, who leads the franchise in scoring with 20.4 points per game, the “best version of Paul George in the 2010s.”
Zach Lowe added:
“Everybody got so disgusted with the 5-6 crazy things he would do every game that they unjustifiably dismissed all the statistical indicators that he was actually good and actually was driving Charlotte’s offense at a high level when he was on the floor.”
The Hornets do look like a better team with Ball in the rotation. They have won the last three consecutive games and lost just one in the last six games.
LaMelo Ball and Co. roll past Grizzlies to continue winning run
The Hornets won their last game against an ailing Memphis Grizzlies 124-101. Even though LaMelo Ball has perffectly fufilled his duties of a pass-first point guard this season, this time, he took up the scoring responsibility with 29 points and four assists. Moussa Diabaté also scored a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The Hornets will now prepare for the play-in game and look to continue the winning momentum. They have every chance to grab a spot in the playoffs.
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