NBA Twitter reacts to Hornets potentially signing LiAngelo Ball
NBA Twitter is rooting for LiAngelo Ball to make the Charlotte Hornets’ roster after a report suggested he’s impressed the team during the Summer League.
LiAngelo Ball may have what it takes to make it in the NBA after all.
On Sunday, ESPN’s Jordan Schultz reported on the Hornets‘ high opinion of the middle Ball brother, sparking conversation around whether or not he’s a legitimate threat to make the roster.
“Lots of buzz around [LiAngelo Ball], who’s played very well during Summer League and is vying for *either* an NBA or G-League spot,” Schultz tweeted. “Have spoken w/multiple members of the #Hornets’ org. They love Gelo! Has proven to a ton of doubters that he’s a legit guy and a big time worker…
“Spoke w/#Hornets assistant coach Jay Triano, who said this of [Ball]: ‘Great kid. Love him. He was at the facility practicing everyday for two months to play in the Summer League. Shows a ton of character. He can shoot it, great feel, knack for scoring.'”
While his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo were always pegged as NBA talents, LiAngelo never drew the same attention. Fans and scouts assumed he’d struggle to make it.
That perception was reinforced when he went undrafted in 2018. Now, the tides seem to be turning.
NBA Twitter is on LiAngelo Ball’s side
Having watched him in the NBA Summer League, a lot of people think he deserves a chance to prove himself in the league.
LiAngelo Ball in only 16 minutes per game:
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) August 15, 2021
10.5 PPG (2nd on team)
41.7% shooting from 3-point range
1.5 steals per game
42 total points in 65 minutes
Sure, it’s just NBA Summer League, but a lot of people said he COULDNT play. He can..
LiAngelo Ball is proving to us that he’s worth a league opportunity…that’s it. That’s all.
— Ry (@JustRyCole) August 15, 2021
I’ve seen both of Giannis’ brothers get looks and they’re not anything remotely close to as skilled as Gelo. That’s it. That’s all.
Okay… 3 games in, I wanted to wait for my evaluation. I dunno what capacity just yet, but it’s clear to see that Gelo is a pro. We can cut the corny shit now, he belongs in this league. #BBB #NevaLost @LiAngeloBall pic.twitter.com/eIIA01QCGc
— Hoop Jargon (@HoopJargon) August 12, 2021
I want to see LiAngelo Ball make The Show. 2 things I want to see.
— Ryan Moose Bailey (@Ryan_Bailey21) August 16, 2021
1. @MELOD1P dropping dimes to his brother in training camp. Can’t underestimate a brother connection!
2. Experiment more with him at the stretch 4 with small ball lineups using his strength to hold ground. https://t.co/f3cHWyOkXM
Many are rooting for him to succeed.
I want to see LiAngelo Ball win!!🙏🏾 Sending POSITIVE VIBES HIS WAY!! Stay hungry Young KING!💯 #NBA
— Lethal Shooter (@LethalShooter__) August 10, 2021
I’m proud of Liangelo, I wanna see dawg make it bad
— Diggy 🇹🇹 (@sucka_free_DIG) August 15, 2021
It makes you wonder where Ball would be now if not for a series of unfortunate events. After he went undrafted, he signed on to play in his father’s Junior Basketball Association. A year later, when he might have made a run at the NBA again, he underwent surgery on his ankle and missed the better part of the year.
He might have gotten an opportunity in the G-League in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the season. It also ended the prospect of a Summer League.
This summer, Ball has made an impression. We’ll see if he turns it into something bigger.
Next. Hornets buying low on Kelly Oubre is a win. dark