The Charlotte Hornets found their star in 2020. After a heartbreaking trade that sent their franchise player, Kemba Walker to Boston, the Hornets were left with no player to lead their franchise. After a poor season in 2019-20, the Hornets landed on gold. However, by the time their young starlet could guide the team to greater heights, Jordan’s time with the Hornets had come to an end.

Michael Jordan purchased a major stake in the Charlotte Hornets back in 2010. However, since he acquired the Hornets, the franchise has only been through disappointment. One of the greatest winners in NBA history could not translate his winning habits as a team owner. The team did not win a single playoff series under Jordan, also going through a playoff draught of 7 years.

However, Jordan’s time with the Hornets did get them their new face of the franchise. As the fans’ hopes of a revival slowly rose, a new update put them in serious trouble.

Michael Jordan’s 21-year-old starlet in trouble

Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets drafted LaMelo Ball as the third overall pick in 2020. Since his arrival, Ball set the NBA world ablaze with his flashy playmaking and ball-handling. His incredible shot-making also left fans awestruck on many occasions. After winning the Rookie of the Year and earning an All-Star nod, there was no stopping the 21-year-old. His skills earned him a whopping deal with the Hornets.

With the arrival of Ball, the Hornets fans gained some hope for their playoff dreams. Unfortunately, because of the new policy on contracts, the Hornets may find it difficult to keep the former Rookie of the Year long-term.

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LaMelo Ball signed a significant deal this offseason to remain with the Charlotte Hornets. His 5 years $260M rookie extension is the second-largest contract in NBA history. However, the new policy adopted by the NBA may take away $54.1M from his contract.

The policy that was first introduced by the NFL states that drafted rookies can only sign a 4-year deal. Their extension into the fifth year will depend on whether they extend their contract during the third year. Now, LaMelo Ball signed a 5-year contract but according to this policy, the Hornets point guard will receive only his salary of 4 years, which is $205.9M.

The deal will send Ball into Unrestricted Free Agency in the 5th year unless he chooses to return to Charlotte in the third year.

However, once the fifth-year extension is signed, that season’s salary would be fully guaranteed. This means that if Ball chooses to stay in Charlotte in his third year of the contract, he can get the non-guaranteed 54.1M fully guaranteed.

Jordan and the Hornets chose to offer Ball this significant deal despite the complications. But what makes Ball worthy of such a lucrative deal?

LaMelo Ball is one of one

LaMelo Ball entered Charlotte as their biggest hope after the Kemba Walker trade. Soon enough, the 21-year-old showed his potential as a superstar guard in the league.

He beat the No.1 pick in his Draft Class, Anthony Edwards to the Rookie of the Year award in 2021. He then showed glimpses of absolute brilliance in the following season, earning an All-Star nod in just his sophomore year in the league. Although plagued by injuries in his career so far, the Ball Brother has shown time and again that he possesses everything it takes to be a superstar in this league.

However, he has not elevated the franchise’s performance as drastically as he would like to yet.

Despite his Rookie of the Year and All-Star seasons, the Hornets got eliminated in the Play-In Tournament on both occasions. He then played only 36 games last season being ruled out due to injury. However, in the brief span of games that he played, he yet again delivered for Buzz City. The 21-year-old averaged 23.3 PPG and 8.4 APG in his 36 games last season.

With the Hornets drafting Brandon Miller as the 2nd overall pick this season, the expectations from their 6’7 point guard would be sky-high. After failing to make the playoffs in all three seasons during his time with the franchise, Ball would be expected to make a playoff run sooner than later.

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Given the rising expectations, will Ball be able to step up? Was Ball worth the major deal despite its complications? Share your thoughts in the comments below.