LaMelo (32:40 MPG) is the only current top 10 scorer playing less than 34 minutes a game. Of the 10, he trails only AD and Giannis in points per 36 minutes.

I was looking at the Hornets’ stats and noticed none of the players have really played big minutes. LaMelo has only played 32:40 on average, due largely to foul trouble and a blowout against Minnesota. I figured with LaMelo currently at #8 in PPG in the NBA, his points per 36 must be fantastic. He’s scoring 31.35 per 36 minutes in 9 games.

It’s a small sample size, but this makes LaMelo’s start even more impressive. He’s less than 1 point per 36 behind the league leader in AD. With his inside game improved, his free throw volume up, and him hitting a ton of threes, we could see a huge leap from LaMelo if he stays healthy.

Of note: Miles Bridges (30:30 MPG) is the only other Hornet above 30 MPG. Richards is third at 27:24. The Hornets are getting a ton of bench play (with only one real blowout) as Lee figures out his rotation and guys get healthy.

LaMelo and Miller have only played 30+ minutes in the same game twice. Add in Bridges and it’s once. The Hornets are 4-5 with several close losses. We’re conditioned to be cautiously optimistic given recent injuries, but we’ve not yet really seen how good this team can be.