LaMelo Ball sets NBA record
LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets had plenty of hype around him coming into his first season in the National Basketball Association. The rookie was drafted third overall by the Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft and has managed to live up to expectations early in the campaign.
On Saturday, he took another significant step in the right direction when he became the youngest player in league history to put up a triple-double. The 19-year-old had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists on Saturday night against the Atlanta Hawks resulting in a 103-105 victory for the Hornets.
“A 19-year-old rookie does not look like this,” Hornets coach James Borrego said following Ball’s brilliant performance, via ESPN. “This is rare what you’re seeing.”
Ball narrowly missed out on a triple-double in Charlotte’s previous game against the New Orleans Pelicans, but was one assist short. He had 12 points and 10 rebounds, but only nine assists.
“I live my life and I know what I’m capable of, so stuff like this doesn’t move me like that,” Ball said his triple-double, via ESPN. “I know that’s supposed to happen.”
The point guard not only has the ability to take over a game on his own, but he also has a unique talent to make his teammates better as well.
“It’s tough because you don’t know when it’s coming. He might throw it behind his head, behind his back or straight to you,” said Charlotte’s P.J, Washington of his teammate, via ESPN. “You have to be active and aware when he has the ball. It’s always fun playing with a guy like that.”
While Ball is a rookie in the NBA, he has plenty of experience playing professionally already. Unlike most young Americans, Ball opted to play professionally overseas as opposed to the join a school in the NCAA.
He reportedly became the youngest American to ever sign a professional contract when he joined Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League in 2018. He also went on to play professionally for the Los Angeles Ballers of the Junior Basketball Association and the Illawarra of the Australian-based National Basketball League.
His experience and tactical knowledge is apparent as soon as he steps on the court. “He’s a tall PG who can pass, can rebound and he’s a smart player,” said Atlanta’s Trae Young following Saturday’s contest, via ESPN. “Things are going to become even easier for him in this league as he plays more and more games.”
Saturday’s victory was Charlotte’s fifth win of the season as they continue to fight to get into the postseason in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Hornets have not qualified for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, with their last trip coming back in 2015-16. They are desperate to get back and believe they have the team to do it.
Ball will not have too much time to think about Saturday’s accomplishments though, as the Hornets are back in action on Monday night against the New York Knicks at the Spectrum Center.
