The Charlotte Hornets show a lot of promise but they’re still not all the way there yet.
They have a few strong players on their team but they’re obviously a few pieces away from being real playoff contenders.
That was evident at the end of the last season, as the Hornets failed to make the playoffs again.
The team is hoping next season will be different and one player is looking at the year ahead as a big refresh and a chance to wipe away the past while still building upon it.
That player is LaMelo Ball, the centerpiece of Charlotte and one of the most exciting guards in the league.
He’s been rising through the ranks of the NBA lately and to symbolize that, Ball is changing his number for the upcoming year.
LaMelo Ball is officially changing his jersey number from #2 to #1, per @ShamsCharania.
He joins an impressive list of Charlotte point guards who have worn the #1 jersey. pic.twitter.com/VlFReIZNWs
— Evan Birchmore (@EvanBirchmore) July 18, 2022
Ball will no longer be wearing number two on his jersey – instead, he will be number one.
That seems fitting for the star player of the team.
Ball’s Number
It’s no secret that the Hornets see their success mostly riding on Ball’s shoulders.
So far, he’s been living up to expectations.
In the 2021-22 season, he put up an average of 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists.
Those numbers are a pretty decent step up from the season before, suggesting he will only get better in the years ahead.
Now it’s time to build a solid team around him.
With Miles Bridges likely out due to his legal troubles and Gordon Hayward always hit or miss because of his age and injuries, the team is inconsistent aside from Ball.
Don’t be surprised if the Hornets cobble together most of the team to secure a big-level trade before the next season is over.
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