As one of the more divisive prospects entering the draft, LaMelo Ball has proven just about every detractor wrong through the first half the regular season. As the current runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year, Ball has not only been a standout first year player, he’s been one of the best players on a Hornets team in the thick of the playoff race.
One of Ball’s fans coming into the draft, though, was one of the most prominent names in basketball and the Charlotte Hornets in Michael Jordan. On Thursday, Jordan, owner of the Hornets, spoke about Ball’s rookie season with the Associated Press.
“I think Melo has adjusted to the NBA game better than any of us ever thought this early in his career. He has exceeded our expectations so far this season.”
Reportedly, Jordan was a fan of Ball heading into the draft and advocated for him in the predraft process. Jordan has proven to be right as Ball has exploded onto the scene this season.
Through the first two months of the season, Ball is averaging 15.8 points, 6.3 assists and 6.0 rebounds. He has captured each of the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month awards and was one of the headliners of the Rising Stars Challenge.
lonzo
