LaMelo Ball has been a controversial basketball name since his early days at Chino Hills. We’ve all heard about his 92 point game in high school and his questionable decision to play overseas, dominating there instead of going the usual path by playing Division 1 college basketball.

No matter where he has gone there has always been doubters.

People say the only reason he’s famous is because of his brother Lonzo, or his father, LaVar. Haters will say he cherry-picked in high school and played against inferior competition overseas, his skills won’t translate to the NBA, his shot looks funny, or his attitude won’t take him far when it comes to playing in the pros.

But at the end of the day, LaMelo was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets and has been an instant star, while bringing some much-needed swagger to the franchise. 

LaMelo was eased into the NBA the first few weeks because it seemed he may not have been mentally ready to play in the pros. His on-court antics seemed like something of a spoiled brat at first glance. He came off as immature and aggravated his teammates as well as some referees.

Even though it was uncertain whether he was mentally prepared, he was still incredibly effective when on the court, averaging 12.2 points per game, 6.7 assists, and 6.2 rebounds in his first month of NBA basketball this January. He also recorded a triple-double making him the youngest player in NBA history to do so. 

As the season has progressed, so has LaMelo Ball, with his stats, efficiency, and impact increasing each month since. What some took as an attitude issue has now become known as extreme confidence and pure energy for the Charlotte Hornets.

He has brought an identity to a team that has desperately been searching for one since the franchise was added to the NBA in the expansion. In February, LaMelo’s minutes increased, and subsequently so did his stats.

In February alone LaMelo averaged 20.1 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists while increasing his 3 point percentage from 25 percent in January to 40 percent. 

Ball is leading all rookies in scoring, rebound, assists, steals, and efficiency ratings. Those are astounding numbers, especially to be leading in rebounds as a point guard. His dominance has been unquestionable, and he is by far the most impactful rookie in this past year’s draft class.

What’s incredible is the excellent efficiency numbers he has while attempting nearly 13 shots per game, 6 of which are coming from beyond the arc. 

The Hornets have become fun to watch, which is something that hasn’t been said in a long time, even when they had Kemba Walker. They are currently the 7th seed in the east and that is without a doubt due to LaMelo’s incredible impact.

LaMelo Ball is running away with the rookie of the year title, and the way it looks next year he’ll be competing for an all-star spot.

Without a doubt, LaMelo looks like the most promising young player from the 2021 NBA draft.