In just three seasons, LaMelo Ball has become one of the most promising young players in the NBA. His flashy handles and otherworldly playmaking have captivated fans of the NBA. However, despite being immensely talented, the 22-year-old has been unable to guide the Hornets to the playoffs. Constant injuries have hampered his as well as Charlotte’s progress. LaMelo faces another extended period on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

However, a former All-Star teammate has picked LaMelo to achieve greatness. In a recent interview, he also pinpointed the attribute that makes him special, even drawing a comparison to Chris Paul.

Gordon Hayward compares LaMelo to “cerebral” Chris Paul

Gordon Hayward made an appearance on Paul George’s podcast. During a conversation, Hayward drew parallels between LaMelo and Chris Paul. He said, “LaMelo is a hooper. LaMelo is instinctual. He just goes out there and hoops and there’s another side of the game, the cerebral part of the game and I think that’s the part of the game he’s trying to learn. You can see he’s slowly starting to develop that part. Like Chris Paul, I think is one of the most cerebral best players that we’ve had at doing that.”

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Like LaMelo, the Hornets also drafted Chris Paul franchise in the 2005 NBA Draft. However, in 2005, the Hornets were associated with the city of New Orleans. In New Orleans, CP3 instantly became their best player and gradually made his team a perennial playoff contender. In the 2007-08 season, Paul led the Hornets to 56 regular season wins. But their season ended in disappointment, as they lost in the Western Conference semifinals.

While CP3 became one of the biggest stars of the NBA elsewhere, it was with the Hornets that he solidified his reputation as the “point god.” Although LaMelo has become one of the best passers and playmakers in the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets continue to remain outside the playoff picture.

Can LaMelo lead the Hornets to a better future?

The Hornets drafted LaMelo with the 3rd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In a draft class comprising the likes of Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, and Desmond Bane, LaMelo won the Rookie of the Year honor. However, LaMelo couldn’t translate his exceptional individual form into wins for the Hornets.

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Constant injuries have hampered his growth. Despite starting the 2023-24 season on fire, the injury bug bit LaMelo again. He suffered an ankle injury on 26th November and his timeline for a return remains uncertain. LaMelo Ball must show that he can lead his Charlotte Hornets’ side to the playoffs, only then will he be given his due respect.

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