Gordon Hayward on LaMelo Ball’s road trip: ‘He’s playing at an extremely high level’
Over the first five games of the Charlotte Hornets’ six-game road trip, LaMelo Ball has played arguably the best ball of a rookie season in which he continues to improve rapidly. Heading into Wednesday’s game against Minnesota, Ball is averaging 23.4 points, 7.6 assists and 5.6 rebounds on 50.6% shooting from the field and 45.2% shooting from 3-point range in the last five games.
His rapid improvement and recent hot stretch could hardly have come at a better time for the Hornets. Injuries on the road trip to Gordon Hayward and Cody Zeller paired with Devonte’ Graham’s absence left the team short-handed.
Because of Ball, along with Malik Monk and P.J. Washington, the Hornets have salvaged a 2-3 record so far on the road trip. Ahead of Wednesday’s game, Hayward spoke of Ball’s progression as a player this season, what his future holds and the importance of his play of late.
“I think experience plays a lot into that,” he said of Ball’s improved play. “He’ll continue to get more comfortable on the court and be better. Over the years, too, you’ll see that certainly improve – the experience part – with decision-making, when to push it, when to hold back. You start to figure, especially for him being a point guard, how to really run a team and he’ll get there no doubt.
“He’s been playing at an extremely high level on this road trip, and we need him to with all the injuries and everything that’s been going on. I think he’s certainly coming into his own and it’s fun to watch.”
Ball’s strong play has not gone unnoticed. He earned February’s Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month honor and was named to the 2021 Rising Stars Challenge roster this week. It seems to be precursors to Ball taking home the Rookie of the Year award at season’s end.
