LaMelo’s Impressive Track Record in Just Three Seasons
The Charlotte Hornets have secured their investment in LaMelo Ball with a 5-year rookie-scale contract extension worth up to $260 million, as announced by Mitch Kupchak, President of Basketball Operations & General Manager. Ball’s career, albeit young, showcases an impressive trajectory.
LaMelo Ball, born on August 22, 2001, made his presence felt during the 2020-21 NBA season. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Ball’s skills were immediately apparent as he averaged 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. He led rookies in assists and steals, and was second in points and rebounds. This earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year title, and he was unanimously selected for the All-Rookie First Team.
Turning the pages back to Ball’s sophomore season, his performance skyrocketed. Averaging 20.1 points, 7.6 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, Ball’s stats placed him in the same echelon as NBA greats LeBron James and Luka Dončić, all of whom are the only players to have achieved these averages at the age of 20. Furthermore, Ball joined Magic Johnson in another statistical feat, becoming only the second player to average at least 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.5 steals in their first 100 games.
Fast forward to the current season; Ball’s statistical growth continues. His scoring improved to 23.3 points with 8.4 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. Notably, he became the youngest player to make a three-pointer in 50 consecutive games, and now holds the franchise record for career triple-doubles with nine.
It’s important to acknowledge Ball’s roots and early achievements. Before his NBA career, Ball played for the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian National Basketball League, where he was honored as Rookie of the Year. He also had a tenure with Vytautas Prienu in the Lithuanian Basketball League during the 2017-18 season. This international experience undoubtedly honed his skills, paving his path to the NBA.
LaMelo Ball’s career arc is one of rapid ascent. His stats and achievements, in a relatively short period, have secured him a place among emerging talents in the NBA. While the Hornets have demonstrated their confidence in him through the contract extension, the basketball community will be keenly watching Ball’s progression.
Through the lens of history, Ball’s early career evokes parallels with NBA legends, but it remains to be seen how he will carve his own legacy in the annals of basketball.
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