For the last few seasons, fans of the Charlotte Hornets have been patiently waiting for their team to really reach its potential and make some noise in the Eastern Conference.
That hasn’t happened yet, and mostly for one major reason: LaMelo Ball has had a difficult time staying healthy.
But this could be the year that everything comes together.
Head coach Steve Clifford believes so.
Speaking with Mike Scotto for Hoops Hype, via Legion Hoops, Clifford discussed what he envisions for Ball.
“Our vision for [Ball] is to be the elite point guard in the league or one of the two or three best point guards in the league, which he obviously has the talent to do,” Clifford said.
“Our vision for [LaMelo Ball] is to be the elite point guard in the league or one of the two or three best point guards in the league.”
— Hornets HC Steve Clifford
(via @MikeAScotto, https://t.co/2CeOpm8Nsx) pic.twitter.com/srGDwScnYH
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 18, 2023
Clifford added that Ball has the work ethic to reach that goal and that he has been cleared for the court after another long, nagging injury.
He wasn’t able to start last season with his team and then ended up missing out on the final month of play too.
Clifford revealed that Ball has been “doing contact” for just about two-and-a-half weeks now and that they are all being very careful with him.
But he also said that Ball “was great this summer with his treatment, with his rehab and what he did in the weight room, and what he was able to do on the court.”
It sounds like Ball is doing much better than he was last year.
The return of Ball will coincide with the debut of rookie Brandon Miller.
Clifford claims that Miller could be a “complete player” because of his size and his ability to fill different roles on the court.
He could be a valuable asset, especially alongside a healthy Ball.
If Ball stays in good shape, Miller delivers on this promise, and the rest of the team avoids on and off-court problems, the Hornets might finally be something special.
NEXT: Fans React To Steve Clifford's Assessment Of Hornets Roster