Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Isiah Thomas highlights the change LaMelo Ball needs to make to become an NBA champion

Originally posted on HITC | By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 11:55 AM ET

Isiah Thomas hasn’t held back when it comes to his thoughts on why LaMelo Ball has struggled to reach NBA superstar status.

When LaMelo Ball took home the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year award, plenty of fans believed he was the key player who could turn the Charlotte Hornets into a playoff team. The only thing that seemed to be holding him back at the time was his health.

Even though he earned an All-Star selection in 2022, it hasn’t led to any real progress for the Hornets. They’ve remained stuck in lottery territory since then, without making any moves toward becoming a serious contender.

The arrival of Brandon Miller didn’t make much difference either. But with Kon Knueppel now in the mix, there’s a bit of optimism around Charlotte once again. So where does that leave LaMelo?

Well, Isiah Thomas shared some strong opinions about what’s been holding him back.

Isiah Thomas says LaMelo Ball needs to get serious to be a winner

Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images

During an appearance on NBC’s NBA coverage, Detroit Pistons icon Isiah Thomas shared his views on what LaMelo Ball needs to change if he wants to find real success in the league.

Thomas pointed out that while Ball has the talent to make an impact, he currently seems more focused on entertaining than winning. According to Thomas, that mindset is holding him back from taking the next step in his career.

“He’s a real difference maker. But the decision he has to make: Does he want to entertain and be a fun guy, or does he want to win?

“Right now, he’s an entertainer, a fun guy. We love him. Everybody likes him. When he walks into a room, it lights up.

“All the players around the league like him. When they start hating him and disliking him, that’s when he’ll start winning. He has to make a decision. ‘Do I want to win? Or do I want to be liked?”

LaMelo Ball has lost his grip on the Charlotte Hornets’ top spot

Isiah Thomas’ remarks hit harder for LaMelo Ball because he’s no longer seen as the main man in Charlotte.

Within the Hornets organisation, LaMelo has been replaced by Kon Knueppel as the franchise’s face. It’s a shift that reflects a broader change in how the team sees its future.

Across the league, there are growing whispers that a fresh start might be what LaMelo needs. Trade rumours are picking up steam as more people think a move could benefit him.

Some argue that he needs to carry Charlotte back to the playoffs to reclaim his status, but looking at their current roster, that’s easier said than done.

The question now is whether he can turn things around or if his time in Charlotte is nearing its end.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: