LaMelo Ball has been the most exciting rookie out of the 2020 draft class.
His court vision is as good as advertised, making him must-watch television as he throws a dazzling array of no-look passes and full-court dimes.
The third overall pick has displayed a shooting consistency almost no one (except maybe his father) expected.
While his form is still unconventional, he is making 38% of his threes while shooting 45% from the field.
He leads all rookies in points, rebounds, and assists, and is third in terms of minutes played.
Ball has injected new life into a Charlotte Hornets franchise that seemed lost after Kemba Walker’s departure.
LaMelo Ball's game — which includes an array of slick, needle-threading passes — has brought some needed pizzazz and star potential to the Hornets, a team owned by Michael Jordan which has been mired in obscurity for years.https://t.co/Be3PDMdFgk pic.twitter.com/yQ60rToKtt
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) March 4, 2021
While some had LaMelo labeled as the best prospect in his class, even his supporters thought he would need time to adjust to the NBA.
But the 6’6” guard has wasted no time making an immediate impact on the court.
His immediate success as a playmaker and scorer has analysts talking about Ball’s future in the NBA.
Could he one day take home the coveted MVP award?
Ball Adapted Quickly
The biggest shock about LaMelo Ball this season has been how quickly he adapted to the NBA.
Scouts questioned how his flashy style of play would translate to a more professional game.
And his wiry frame raised concerns about being able to hang with bigger athletes.
It seems clear now that Ball has answered those questions.
He averages 6.3 APG, good for 19th in the league.
Rookie of the Year favorite LaMelo Ball's 'elite' passing laying foundation for potentially spectacular career pic.twitter.com/xiUrwXbRM4
— SP0RTS_N3WS (@SP0RTS_N3W5) March 2, 2021
And while he averages the 26th-most turnovers-per-game (2.8), he is still a 19-year-old rookie.
Mistakes are to be expected and turnovers will be corrected as the game slows down.
In addition, turnovers are not a major concern for a rookie point guard.
Turnovers can be evidence that a player is not afraid to make a pass.
But because they are a rookie, they are a half-second too slow, and the pass results in a turnover.
As he gains experience, those passes will come a split second quicker, which will drive turnovers down.
Ball has shown no lack of confidence to make plays.
LaMelo’s passing ability hints at a future as a possible 10+ APG guard.
Limitless Potential
As good as Ball has been as a rookie, he is seemingly only scratching the surface of his potential.
He has yet to turn 20, yet is posting averages of 15.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 6.3 APG.
LaMelo is slashing .449/.378/.802 as a shooter while also tacking on 1.6 SPG.
But this includes his 20 appearances coming off the bench.
Since becoming a full-time starter, Ball is averaging 20.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 6.7 APG while slashing .464/.449/.846.
"LaMelo Ball is the truth — 20 points, 7 assists & 6 rebounds over the last month on 41% shooting from three. He's a future star."
— @Chris_Broussard on if LaMelo has exceeded expectations during his Rookie of the Year campaign: pic.twitter.com/x6pe2VFs9A
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) March 1, 2021
And this comes while playing with a .500 team that has little talent surrounding Ball.
As the Hornets add better players, their young point guard should flourish even further.
Better players will only further open the court, which will give Ball more opportunities to find open cutters and shooters.
Furthermore, if he can prove his shooting this season is not a fluke, he will become a tremendous scoring guard as well.
A 6’6″ point guard who can seemingly make any pass, shoot from 3 and score in isolation.
If Ball can build on his fantastic rookie season, there is plenty of reason to believe he can one day win an MVP.
NEXT: LaMelo Ball Vs. Lonzo Ball (How Do They Compare?)