LaMelo Ball’s Scoring Streak Raises Questions About His Impact on Winning
Determining whether LaMelo Ball is a winning NBA player remains a challenge for many. Similar questions arise about Trae Young of the Hawks, with both being talented players, and Ball being slightly taller, but perhaps a bit less refined than Young.
One intriguing aspect is their anticipated shooting performance upon entering the league: Young was deemed an elite 3-point shooter, while Ball’s shooting ability was viewed as a significant question mark. Surprisingly, their shooting trajectories have contradicted those assumptions.
Despite Young’s superb passing and skill in midrange play, his three-point shooting has been inconsistent, notably at 34% or worse in three of his initial five NBA seasons and currently at 28% this season. Conversely, Ball has exhibited improved three-point shooting, hitting 39% and 38% of his threes in his last two seasons with the Hornets, with this season’s rate surpassing 39%, despite a sluggish start.
Ball’s recent performance has been stellar, shooting at an impressive 45% from beyond the arc over eight games. Despite his high-scoring streak—delivering at least 25 points in eight consecutive games, including six with over 30 points—the Hornets struggle, tallying a 2-6 record during this period. Moreover, Ball’s impact in terms of plus-minus ratings has been concerning. Even in the recent victory against Boston, his plus-3 rating pales in comparison to his teammates’ substantially higher ratings.
While Ball demonstrates elite talent and remarkable on-court contributions, his stats reveal a different story. His inefficiency inside the arc, particularly in mid-range and at-rim shooting, raises concerns. His conversion rates, well below league average, suggest limitations in scoring efficacy despite his prowess in orchestrating plays and shooting threes.
While Ball’s playmaking and three-point shooting is commendable, his inconsistency with midrange and at-rim shooting poses challenges to the Hornets’ success. Whether Ball evolves into a consistent, winning player depends on how Charlotte builds its team and maximizes its talented roster.
Comparatively, players like Tyrese Haliburton showcase a more well-rounded, winning style despite having similar skills. Haliburton’s impact on his team seems more pronounced, suggesting that, at this stage, Ball’s numbers might not translate directly into a winning impact. However, Ball’s potential and talent remain undeniable, and his development within the right team context might alter these perceptions.
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