During these tough times, basketball is changing with the amount of talent entering the NBA, and luckily the Charlotte Hornets were excited to acquire 19 year old LaMelo Ball from the 2020 NBA draft. 

“Straight blessing,” said Ball after being picked by Michael Jordan’s Hornets. Ball also said “I love transition, I would love that the team will get in transition and I feel like it’s gonna be fun this year”. Currently, Ball is averaging 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, and one steal per game, which is very impressive for a rookie who played with the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL Australia League. 

Ball was born in Chino Hills, California, and was influenced by his older brothers Lonzo Ball and LiAngelo Ball. Lonzo plays for the New Orleans Pelicans and Liangleo is currently not playing for a team after he was undrafted in 2018. 

Matt from hornets.com asked Ball how excited he is to play with a young core of guys like Miles Bridges, Pj Washington, and Devonte Graham. Ball said, “I’m definitely excited, I’ve been seeing them ever since I was young for real… we got a young team so I mean yeah I feel like it’s gonna be nice.” 

This team is going to be very special, and may have a future ring in their hands if they work as a team and not as individuals. 

Graham was asked about Ball and how he fits into the team, he expressed that the bench is helping the starters from losing control of the game and that Ball is taking pressure off him since he is averaging 12 points, two rebounds, five assists and one steal per game. 

The season is a opportunity for Ball and his team to get to know each other’s game, and figure out what can help the rest of the team keep winning games, as well as hopefully get a better record than usual since this team has not been to the playoffs since 2016, where they went against the Miami Heat in a seven game series. 

As of now, the 2021 rookies are trying to impress their current teams, while also trying to prove to themselves that they are in the running for the 2021 Rookie of the Year award. The big question is: Who do you think should win the Rookie of the year award?