Michael Jordan is eminently pleased with his pick from the 2020 NBA Draft. LaMelo Ball is on track to make some history for his Hornets.
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Entering this year’s draft, LaMelo Ball was easily one of the most hyped players. Due to his unconventional route to the league, his family and his personality Ball attracted a lot of media availability towards him.
With their third pick, the Charlotte Hornets drafted him in based on all of that built-up hype. Calling LaMelo Ball a good player is an understatement. The 19-year-old has been phenomenal in the first half of his rookie season.
He has been benefiting the Hornets not only one the court but is an asset off the court too. With over 5.7 million followers on Instagram, LaMelo also brings international attention to the Hornets.
Michael Jordan’s expectations from LaMelo Ball, when he drafted Ball was to eventually rise up to be a potential All-Star. The Hall-Of-Famer stated how the 6-foot-6 guard has been exceeding the organisation’s expectations from him. The great Michael Jordan added on Ball:
“I think Melo has adjusted to the NBA game better than any of us ever thought this early in his career. He has exceeded our expectations so far this season. It’s not just about Melo. It’s about our group of young, talented players, our coaching staff and our entire Hornets organization. All of those factors, along with Charlotte being a great city, will make us become a destination.“
‘He’s definitely very talented and can do many things’: Donovan Mitchell on LaMelo Ball
Currently, LaMelo Ball is on track to win this season’s Rookie of the Year. He was awarded as the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December & January as well as February. The third draft pick has been leading all rookies in all the major statistical categories, including points (15.8), assists (6.3), rebounds (6) and even steals (1.6) per game.
There is so much to like about Melo other than his unselfish game. He has a positive vibe for the team, he’s got the energy, the swagger and most importantly, is ready to learn and improve however he can.
His gameplay has already managed to impress many dominant players and coaches in the league. The coach of Dallas Mavericks, Rick Carlisle predicted Ball would win the Rookie of the Year honours. Golden State’s former Defensive Player of the Year stated how LaMelo is a problem on the court. Utah Jazz’s two-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell termed Melo as the ‘real deal’. The Jazz’s combo guard added:
“He’s the real deal. Man, he’s good. I’m not going to lie, I’m very impressed with his playmaking ability, his competitiveness… He’s very talented; he can do many different things.”
There is absolutely no doubting LaMelo and his game. With the way things are looking as of now, Melo could be an All-Star real soon while being one of the flashiest guards in the league. The sky is the limit for this young yet experienced boy.
