Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. David Richard-Imagn Images

LaMelo Ball should be an All-Star despite Hornets' struggles

By Jalyn Smoot | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 4:02 PM ET

Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been otherworldly so far this season. Seemingly every time he touches the floor, the crafty guard executes highlight-reel-worthy plays that leave the crowd (and his opponents) amazed.

Impressively, the former No. 3 overall pick has been equal parts entertaining and efficient, as Ball is enjoying a career year in Charlotte.

Ball, 23, is averaging 29.9 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds while shooting 42.3 percent from the floor. While his passing proficiency is well documented, Ball's development as a scorer has been fun to watch.

So far this season, Ball has scored 30+ points 15 times, which is the fifth-highest total in the league — trailing only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum. Ball also boasts the third-most games (four) of 30+ points and 10+ assists, despite sitting 11 games with injury. Ball scored a career-high 50 points against the Bucks in November.

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Given his torrid start to the season, the savvy Hornets star should be in line to earn his second All-Star nod this February. Many will point to the Hornets' lowly 8-27 record as a means to dissuade his All-Star bid, but Ball's efficiency far outweighs his team's struggles. Frankly, Ball should even be in consideration to be an All-Star starter.

Basketball fans seem to agree with that notion, as Ball leads all Eastern Conference guards in All-Star voting, according to NBA Communications.

Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their respective conferences in the first fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.

Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each.

Next fan update: 1/9. pic.twitter.com/OoIIa3S3fn
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 2, 2025

With nearly 1 million votes, Ball has become a household name among NBA fans. Despite Charlotte's lack of wins, Ball has inarguably been one of the league's best players this season.

So far, he averages more points than Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis and Anthony Edwards, all of whom were All-Stars last season, while also dishing out more assists than floor generals Kyrie Irving, Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook.

Winning a few more games would certainly help his chances, but Ball deserves to be on the 2025 All-Star roster regardless.

Jalyn Smoot

Jalyn Smoot is a University of North Texas graduate passionate about writing, sports, and film. Throughout his near decade-long career as a freelance reporter, he has been featured on Bleacher Report, Major League Baseball, Apple News, Fox Sports, and NewsBreak.

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