LaMelo Ball is one of the most hyped rookies in NBA history.
From his amateur days to his current status as part of the Charlotte Hornets, the 19-year-old has had the spotlight on him 24/7.
That’s why fans and critics were all thrilled to see how the younger Ball would fair against the world’s best players.
From December to January, the third overall-pick of the 2020 NBA Draft played 20 games and averaged 11.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.4 steals, shooting 43.9% from the field and 39.1% from the three-point area.
He’s doing it all while coming off the bench and serving as a back-up to Devonte’ Graham.
Ball is undoubtedly very impressive in the initial part of his rookie campaign but it’s far from what everyone expected from him because of the hype.
Everyone was itching to see more from the six-foot-six guard as despite his impressive numbers, he was still being given limited time on the floor because his coach James Borrego feels that he should be benched every time he makes mistakes on the floor.
However, February seems to be the month where Ball will showcase what he can really do and win the Rookie of the Month award for the second-consecutive time.
Back in February 2, when the Hornets met Miami, Ball was finally given his shot at the starting five.
In his first game as a starter, the skinny-framed guard certainly did not disappoint.
He finished with 14 points, five rebounds and seven assists and helped his get their third-consecutive win at that time.
Since then, Ball has been on fire all over the court. In his second game as a started, he put up 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
In his third game as a starter, Ball put up his career-high 34 points with four rebounds, eight assists, two steals, one block in 14-27 shooting from the field and 4-9 shooting from deep.
In their most recent game, Ball led the Hornets to a 119-94 win by putting up 24 points with seven threes, as well as seven rebounds and 10 assists.
Since becoming a starter, Ball has been averaging 22.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.6 assists in 43.8% shooting from the field and 51.4% shooting from the three-point line and Charlotte has won three of its last five games.
The Hornets are currently sixth in the East with a 12-13 record and with Ball playing at a high-level, it’s looking like they will continue to rack up wins in their next few games.
Is LaMelo locked for the RoY? Who’d you rather have, LaMelo or Lonzo? Sound off in the comment section!
