In his first regular season game in nine months, Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball showed zero signs of rust, writes Kristie Rieken of The Associated Press. The former All-Star had a superlative debut in Wednesday’s five-point victory in Houston, recording 34 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, with the team going plus-14 in his 38 minutes.
The 2021 Rookie of the Year has been limited to just 58 games over the past two seasons — including only 22 in 2023/24 — due to a variety of ankle injuries, but the team knows how impactful he can be when he’s able to suit up.
“He’s like the engine for us,” said Charles Lee, who notched his first career win as a head coach. “If we have a healthy LaMelo Ball, we’re going to do a lot of really good things because I know that he’s going to continue to grow and he helps everyone around him continue to be better, too.”
Here’s more on the Hornets:
- Fourth-year guard Tre Mann was another standout in Wednesday’s victory, scoring an efficient 24 points and grabbing six rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench. Mann, who was traded from Oklahoma City to Charlotte last February, said he’s feeling more comfortable now than he was at the end of last season. “It’s been pretty smooth, actually,” Mann told Hunter Bailey of The Charlotte Observer. “When I got here last year it was tougher — being in the middle of the season and just having a kid. Over the summer I got a crib closer to the arena, so it’s been super smooth for me. I’m settling in, me, my wife, and my son.” The 23-year-old will be a restricted free agent next summer.
- Second-year wing Brandon Miller threw down a monster dunk in the first quarter yesterday (hat tip to Kurt Helin of NBC Sports), but he only played 11 minutes after experiencing left hip soreness, per the team (Twitter link). Miller’s health status will be important to monitor, as last year’s No. 2 overall pick is one of the team’s best players.
- In an extensive interview with Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, co-owners Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin describe their plan to turn the Hornets into the “premier franchise of the NBA.”
This team will be a sleeper for the 6th seed if they’re healthy. I have them making the play in though. LaMelo and Miller might be the best young tandem duo in the league. Everything I’ve read about Lee preaching defense and accountability is true. It’s a shame that Mark Williams cannot stay healthy which might make them active for a big man like Capella or Vucevic.
Definitely a team worth watching this year and see if they can grow into a competitive young, hungry team.
Would this trade work?
Cody Martin $8M
Vasilije Micic $8M
Davis Bertans $5M
Nikola Vucevic $21M
Who says no? Bulls clear Vucevic’s contract next year, Charlotte gets a center replacement for Mark Williams.
Bulls waive Craig and Duarte afterwards.
Charlotte’s goal is get to the playoffs, Bulls goal is to clear Vu’s contract. Cody Martin would be the only one who they would keep next year as well.
Bertans can’t be traded because he isn’t on the roster. The $5.25MM he’s owed is a dead-money cap hit.
Martin and Micic for Vucevic, on the other hand, is technically a legal trade. Whether the teams would agree to it is another matter.
You can read more about how trades work here. link to hoopsrumors.com