Feb 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee talks with guard LaMelo Ball (1) during a time out in the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

'You Get Those Wow Factors at Times' – Charlotte Hornets Guard Dishes on Having LaMelo Ball as a Teammate

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 6:45 AM ET

Charlotte Hornets guard Collin Sexton is probably relieved that he won’t be on the receiving end of LaMelo Ball’s highlight reel anytime soon, after being on the other side in the past few years.

Speaking to Charlotte Hornets reporter Roderick Boone, Sexton described what it’s like to play alongside Ball, with whom he has formed a great relationship this offseason.

“It was fun to be out there with Melo. You see how talented he is and how good he is. And I think that was something that I didn’t… I always watched his game. I always knew how good he was,” Sexton told The Charlotte Observer regarding Ball.

Oct 23, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“But when you’re out there with him, you be like ‘Wow.’ You get those wow factors at times from some of the stuff that he does. But I think just time would continue to tell, and we’re building that relationship off the court… So, I’m going to continue to push him each and every day in practice, whether it’s picking him up on defense, pushing him, fouling him, just to give him those game-like reps,” he added.

Charlotte Hornets News: Collin Sexton already making a good first impression

Charles Lee recently praised Collin Sexton for his impact in the first few months he has been with the team. The Charlotte Hornets head coach believes the 26-year-old will be a key player this upcoming season.

Apr 9, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton (2) brings the ball up court while being defended by Portland Trail Blazers forward Rayan Rupert (21) in the first half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

“I think, No. 1, everyone sees how hard he works every day, and so he’s already leading by example. And then so when he does want to speak up, because he’s so passionate and competitive, he’s earned their respect. So, he’s able to just be very vocal, very upfront with them. And they all know that it’s from a place of love, it’s from a place of competitive joy, and that they’re really responsive,” Lee said about Sexton.

“So, I love what he’s done. He’s really helped bring a little bit more intensity to sometimes that starting unit. Especially on the defensive end where he sets a tone on the primary ball-handler and allows the other guys to kind of follow suit,” he concluded.