It would only be a matter of time before LaVar Ball would speak up on the plight of his sons. He was not that happy when the Detroit Pistons cut his middle son, LiAngelo Ball, and now most were awaiting his criticism on LaMelo Ball’s debut with the Charlotte Hornets.
Most already know by now that the third overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft had a scoreless outing with the Hornets in his first regular-season game as an NBA player. This made him the first player since Otto Porter Jr. in 2013 not to score a single point in his first game as an NBA player. Others who experience the same include Hasheem Thabeet (2009) and Greg Oden (2008).
Regardless, LaMelo made a good impression overall in his 16 minutes of playing time. He showed potential and can make up for that in succeeding NBA games. But for LaVar Ball, the Hornets should use him the right way.
LaMelo Ball is the first Top-3 pick to score 0 points in his NBA debut since Otto Porter Jr. (2013).
The only other Top-3 picks to be held scoreless in their NBA debut over the last 15 seasons are Hasheem Thabeet (2009) and Greg Oden (2008).
h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/PuOKTnu8No — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 24, 2020
The elder Ball feels that LaMelo should be in the starting unit instead of Devone’ Graham.
"If [Melo is] your marquee guy, what marquee guy doesn’t start?" Ball said during a Big Baller brand charity event in Los Angeles via TMZ.
Ball’s jab is not surprising since he has done this before. He had his share of points when Lonzo Ball played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2017 to 2019.
Regardless, LaMelo just has to keep on working hard and prove he deserves his spot on the starting lineup. He just needs to keep his focus if he wants to have a flourishing NBA career.
One Ball who is getting there is Lonzo Ball. Though he failed to come to terms with the New Orleans Pelicans about a new contract, both sides remain positive. Further, new head coach Stan Van Gundy sees potential in the 23-year-old guard. His shooting form continues to be criticized but the UCLA product remains one of the court generals that any team would love to have.
Finally, there is the curious case of James Harden. The 2018 NBA MVP has yet to get his trade demands fulfilled although multiple teams are being linked. Ball feels that the Houston Rockets should not stand in his way, hinting they should move on.
And while Ball supports Harden and his plans, he hopes that the eight-time All-Star does not end up in Charlotte or New Orleans. The reason behind that is obviously because his sons are there and may see their playing time diminished.
