Watch: Hornets' LaMelo Ball takes over in win vs. Kings

Ball has been scoring in bunches since he returned, averaging 27 points in his three games. For the first three quarters, Ball set up his teammates, racking up more assists (10) than shots (nine). But when crunch time arrived, Ball took over.

For what's been a lost season for the 8-23 Hornets, the saving grace is Ball, Charlotte's franchise cornerstone. He might be their only long-term piece, as recent first-rounder James Bouknight is disappointing, Mark Williams has been hurt all season, and Kai Jones and J.T. Thor are both slow-developing projects.

P.J. Washington will be a free agent this summer, as will the shot-happy Kelly Oubre Jr., who is taking over 18 shots per game and averaging just 1.2 assists. Whatever future progress this team makes depends on Ball.

Ball is now shooting over 40 percent from three-point range, and averaging over 23 points per game. Oh, and he finally got his first dunk of the season.

Ball's improvement has to be encouraging for Hornets fans. The only danger is that Charlotte might win too many games and ruin their chances at Victor Wembanyama.