LaMelo Ball running maildays
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GarnettFan4Life
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GarnettFan4Life
OZCT Supporter
Got these if of any interest let know.
thanks mate I'm gonna see if I can pick those up in COMC or cheap PSA 10 first but I might get back to you
GarnettFan4Life
OZCT Supporter
LaMelo Ball has established himself as one of the NBA's most intriguing young talents, showcasing a blend of flashy playmaking, scoring versatility, and high-level potential that draws comparisons to stars like Luka Doncic. As of the 2024-25 season, Ball’s efficiency and skill set position him as a star with superstar upside, though his development and impact have been hampered by injuries and the Charlotte Hornets' lack of supporting cast. Let’s break down his efficiency, skill, and potential, while exploring how a scenario akin to Doncic’s move to the Lakers could elevate him.
### Efficiency Breakdown
LaMelo Ball’s statistical output this season (as of March 29, 2025) includes 25.2 points per game (PPG), 4.9 rebounds per game (RPG), and 7.4 assists per game (APG), with a shooting split of 40.5% from the field, 33.9% from three-point range, and 84.3% from the free-throw line. These numbers reflect a high-usage player (around 30% usage rate in recent seasons) who shoulders a significant offensive burden for a struggling Hornets team, which sits at 18-53. His true shooting percentage (TS%), a metric that accounts for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws, likely hovers around 53-55%, which is below the league average for star guards (typically 58-60% for elite scorers like Doncic or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander).
Ball’s efficiency takes a hit due to his volume-heavy shot selection—averaging over 10 three-point attempts per game earlier in the season—and a lack of easy scoring opportunities created by teammates. His 33.9% three-point shooting is underwhelming for a guard with his reputation as a shooter, and his 40.5% field goal percentage suggests he struggles to finish efficiently inside against NBA defenses. However, before injuries (wrist and ankle issues) derailed his season, Ball posted a 22-game stretch averaging 30 PPG on 35% from three (on 13 attempts per game), indicating that when healthy, his efficiency can climb with volume. His offensive impact during that stretch was estimated at +5.0, a mark only a handful of players exceed, underscoring his ability to carry an offense single-handedly.
Defensively, Ball remains a weak link. His defensive rating (around 114.0) is poor, reflecting both his individual limitations—lack of lateral quickness and inconsistent effort—and the Hornets’ porous team defense. This contrasts sharply with Doncic, who, while not elite defensively, has improved his effort and impact on that end with better team support.
### Skill Set as a Star and Potential Superstar
Ball’s skill set is electrifying and versatile, making him a star with clear superstar potential. At 6’7”, he possesses rare size for a point guard, paired with elite ball-handling, court vision, and creativity. His passing is among the best in the league—averaging 7.4 APG despite limited weapons around him—and he excels in transition, where his flair and decision-making shine. His ability to create for others is comparable to Doncic, who has consistently posted 8-9 APG with stronger teammates. Ball’s scoring, while streaky, includes a deep shooting range (he’s hit 3.8 threes per game this season) and crafty finishing, though he lacks Doncic’s physicality and mid-range polish.
As a 23-year-old All-Star (2021-22), Ball has shown he can be a statistical monster, joining LeBron James and Doncic as the only players to average 20+ PPG, 6+ RPG, 7+ APG, and 1+ SPG at age 20 or younger. However, his turnovers (around 4 per game) and defensive shortcomings temper his superstar trajectory. Unlike Doncic, who has refined his game into MVP-level consistency (28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.3 APG in 2024-25 with 50/38/78 splits before his trade), Ball’s development has been stunted by health issues (playing only 36 games in 2022-23 and missing time this year) and a lack of team success.
### Current Team Context
The Hornets’ roster has been a limiting factor. Brandon Miller, a promising second-year wing, offers scoring (around 15-17 PPG) but has been sidelined since January, reducing Ball’s reliable options. Mark Williams, the team’s center, provides size and rim protection but has been injury-prone, leaving the frontcourt thin. Miles Bridges brings athleticism and scoring (around 20 PPG), but his off-ball play and defense don’t complement Ball’s style effectively. The rest of the rotation—players like Josh Green, Grant Williams, and Nick Richards—lacks the playmaking or shooting to alleviate pressure from Ball. This forces him into a heliocentric role, where he must create nearly every possession, leading to inefficient shots and fatigue.
### Hypothetical Trade Impact: Better Teammates
If Ball were traded to a team with better players—akin to Doncic’s move to the Lakers—his efficiency and superstar potential could soar. Imagine him on a team like the Miami Heat, swapping places with Tyler Herro. Pairing Ball with Bam Adebayo (a defensive anchor and pick-and-roll partner) and Jimmy Butler (a two-way star) would reduce his usage to 25-28%, allowing him to pick his spots. Adebayo’s screening and finishing would boost Ball’s assist numbers (potentially 9-10 APG), while Butler’s cutting and mid-range game would open driving lanes, improving Ball’s field goal percentage (potentially 45-47%). Miami’s elite defense (top-5 in the league) would mask Ball’s weaknesses, letting him focus on offense.
Alternatively, consider Ball on the Mavericks post-Doncic trade, alongside Anthony Davis. Davis’s rim protection and pick-and-pop ability would give Ball a consistent target, potentially pushing his TS% above 57% and cutting turnovers as he’d face less double-teaming. With shooters like Quentin Grimes (a 40% three-point threat), Ball’s playmaking would thrive in a spaced floor, mirroring Doncic’s success with Dallas’s bigs and wings.
In either scenario, better teammates would lower Ball’s burden, refine his shot selection, and elevate his efficiency—key steps toward superstardom. His leadership and playoff impact, untested due to Charlotte’s lottery finishes, could also emerge with a winning culture around him.
### Conclusion
LaMelo Ball is a star with elite playmaking and scoring potential, but his efficiency (below-average TS%, middling FG%) and defensive flaws keep him from superstardom today. The Hornets’ weak roster caps his ceiling, forcing inefficiency and limiting team success. A trade to a contender—mirroring Doncic’s Lakers move—could unlock his full potential, boosting his efficiency, impact, and legacy. At 23, with health and the right team, Ball’s superstar trajectory remains very much alive.
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