NBA Draft Prospect Refused To Work Out For The Hornets Because Of LaMelo Ball

The situation in Charlotte is dire right now as they look to escape the Eastern Conference bunker. Ahead of the draft this year, the Hornets have some big plans for how to take another step forward in their development, but at least one prospect says he wants no part. According to a new report from Charlotte sports reporter Mike Lancett, one draft hopeful has gone so far as to refuse a workout with the Hornets to avoid playing with LaMelo Ball.

"Spoke with a source tonight who told me at least one draft lottery pick refused to work out with the Hornets out of a desire not to play with LaMelo Ball," wrote Lancett on X.

The Hornets have the fourth pick in the draft this year, with a chance to draft one of several big-name prospects such as Ace Bailey, G V.J. Edgecombe, or Kon Knueppel. After going 19-63 last season, the Hornets were hoping for a top-three pick, but they have to settle for their spot at fourth place in the draft.

The bigger issue for the Hornets is the toxic culture spreading within their locker room. Immaturity and lack of focus have become defining traits of the Hornets, and LaMelo Ball has been leading the way for them both on and off the court.

Ball, who was drafted in 2020, is the face of the Hornets and their leading performer by a mile. Last season, in 47 games, he averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game on 40.5% shooting. As a 1x All-Star at 23 years old, Ball has given the Hornets a truly elite talent for the first time since Kemba Walker's departure years ago.

Sadly, the Hornets have yet to capitalize on his talent. Besides a few hits in the draft (specifically Brandon Miller) and some mid-level signings, they have failed to make the kind of moves that would move any team toward contention. As a result, they have yet to make a single playoff appearance in the past nine years.

To make matters worse, Ball's leadership and character have taken a major hit after multiple years of failing to make the playoffs. Between accusations of a lack of competitiveness and having an "empty calories game" Ball seems to have a lackadaisical attitude toward winning, and the Hornets will never get far with someone of that mentality leading the way.

We may never know what Ball did to scare off one of the NBA's incoming rookies, but it's not hard to fathom that he might want to avoid falling under this leadership. The Hornets have been a mess in his tenure, and it's gotten to a point where they might even consider trading him to the highest bidder.

With several teams expected to show interest (including the Clippers), the Hornets can take their time to find the right deal and start to finally establish a healthy, winning culture throughout the organization. For a team with such a limited history of success, the Hornets must start from square one, and that means rooting out anything that undermines their growth and development as a unit. Clearly, LaMelo Ball is causing some culture problems, and it may be time for them to try something new.