LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball has been a lightning rod for criticism since arriving in Charlotte as the third overall pick in 2020. From the high-profile cars to his outspoken father, LaMelo has never been shied away from the spotlight. His game is predicated on entertainment value. He’s out there to put on a show, which can lead to head-scratching mistakes and a loud chorus of old men yelling at clouds.

However, despite the very real holes in his game (and a barrage of early-career injuries that have stifled Ball’s rise time and time again), the winning impact is undeniable. He’s such an elite processor — a true point guard in terms of mental acuity. Ball might not operate as the most traditional table-setter, but his ability to kickstart fast-breaks and grease the wheels on Charlotte’s offense is undeniable. Sure, he lets his ambition get the best of him at times, but Ball’s creativity and boldness are virtues, not faults. He dares to manifest passes that nobody else in the league would even dream of. That ends up compromising defenses and putting teammates in rare positions to succeed.

While not a great defender, Ball’s 6-foot-7 frame gives him a leg up as a guard. He operates from a unique vantage point. The scoring has steadily improved over the years. Ball’s not an elite finisher, but he has gotten better at absorbing contact and finding angles around the rim. He’s a more proficient driver than he was out of the gate. It hasn’t impacted his confidence and volume beyond the arc either. Few NBA players can pull from deeper than Ball, which stretches a defense and sets up plenty of fruitful drives when his man overcommits. He’s still getting better with each successive season. Ball deserves your faith.