What Does This All-Star Have to Do to Get Better Next Season

LaMelo Ball is one of the league's most popular young players. He is one of the best point guards in the NBA and is the face of the Charlotte Hornets. The 23-year-old star has not reached his ceiling yet, but the team's overall performance over the years does not reflect a team with a winning culture. Charlotte has not made the playoffs since 2016, and since drafting Ball in 2020, the Hornets have only made the Play-In Tournament twice and have failed to advance to the playoffs. Some fans have blamed Ball for the team's lack of success on the court due to the myriad injuries he has suffered over the past three years.

Addressing those injuries in his exit interview, Charles Lee, Head Coach of the Hornets, said that he wants Ball to bulk up this summer, and a plan is already in place. Ball will not work out until he completes his surgeries on his wrist and ankle. The 2021 Rookie of the Year is one of several starters who had to deal with injuries this season. Lee wants Ball to get stronger so that he can handle physical defenses because he is too important not to be out there on the court.

By bulking up, Ball will be able to fight through contact on offense and get to the free-throw line more. He was one of the NBA’s top free-throw shooters last year, shooting an impressive 84 percent from the free-throw line. Gaining more strength could help him on defense because of his quickness and ability to force turnovers, he could become a disruptor on that end of the court. Some pressure can also be taken off Ball’s ankles if he gets stronger. Charlotte has a superstar in LaMelo Ball, but for the team to have consistent success, it is going to rely on its star to be healthy. Ball has not played more than 50 games in a season since the 2021-22 season. The Hornets want him at his best heading into next season, as he will be a pivotal player for the culture that Coach Lee is trying to build.