‘When Michael Jordan is saying LaMelo Ball is better than we thought, must be true’: CJ McCollum explains why Hornets star could be the face of the league

Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum endorses LaMelo Ball as one of the brightest young talents and the future of the NBA.

LaMelo the youngest member of the Ball family. The 19-year old was the 3rd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected by the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo is the son of businessman Lavar Ball, who has predominantly been in the headlines for his bold statements and predictions.

19-year old, LaMelo has been trained by his father. The Hornets point guard played basketball for Chino Hills high school in California, where he even won a state championship and became a national sensation. The youngest of the three brothers, LaMelo was recruited by UCLA but decided to forgo the opportunity and played in Australia for the NBL, where he even won rookie of the year.

The 3rd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo has his eldest brother Lonzo Ball play for the New Orleans Pelicans. Lonzo was selected by the LA Lakers as the 2nd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, making them the first set of brothers to both be drafted in the top 3 of the NBA draft.

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The recent episode of Full Bodied with Channing Frye had Blazers guard and 2016 Most Improved Player CJ McCollum as a guest.  In a discussion comparing wines to NBA stars, McCollum compared LaMelo Ball to a luxurious new world wine.

LaMelo Ball has the potential to be a future NBA superstar

CJ McCollum was recently quoted saying that LaMelo as a player is wise beyond his years. The 19-year old’s ability to pass the ball and run the offense is one of a kind.

“The ceiling is very very high, a lot of upside. The game is like, it leaves you like ‘wow’. He’s ahead of his time from a vision standpoint. When Mike (Jordan) is saying that he’s better than we thought, you know you’re doing what you supposed to do.” said McCollum.

This is not the first time that CJ had been in awe of the 19-year old. In 2019 the Blazers star was quoted saying that LaMelo was something special.

.@CJMcCollum sees something special in LaMelo Ball.

(via @PullUpPod) pic.twitter.com/VM8qzwyodN

— ESPN (@espn) September 27, 2019

Lamelo Ball Stats

The 19-year old averaged 15.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, 5.9 RPG, and 1.6 SPG on a 43.6% shooting from the field during his rookie year. LaMelo averaged 28.8 minutes per game in the 2020-21 NBA season. LaMelo is the youngest NBA player to record a triple-double in NBA history. He had 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win against the Atlanta Hawks.

However, unfortunately, LaMelo suffered a fractured bone in his right wrist in a match against the LA Clippers, which kept him out for a month and a half. Nevertheless, LaMelo would return in time for a spot in the play-in tournament. The Hornets would suffer a blowout loss against the Indiana Pacers during an elimination game in the tournament.

Also read: “Kyle Kuzma, I’m your favorite player’s favorite player:” When 16-year-old LaMelo Ball talked trash to Lonzo’s former Lakers teammate

At the end of the 2020-21 NBA season, LaMelo was crowned as the Rookie of the Year and was also All-NBA Rookie First team. The 19-year old is one of the upcoming talents in the NBA, his high basketball IQ and play-making ability are what separates him from the other young players.