LaMelo Ball’s Rises Up NBA Rankings + Can Charlotte Hornets Rebound vs. Detroit Pistons?

In this episode of Locked On Hornets, Walker Mehl and Doug Branson dive deep into the drama surrounding LaMelo Ball’s recent benching. Despite the controversy, LaMelo continues to climb NBA player rankings, landing at an impressive 27th on The Ringer’s latest list. The duo analyzes why LaMelo’s sky-high usage rate is drawing comparisons to NBA greats like Stephen Curry and James Harden and how injuries to key players like Mark Williams and Nick Richards have impacted LaMelo’s style of play.

Attention then shifts to rookie standout Tidjane Salaun, who impressed with his career-high 11 points and eight rebounds in a recent game. Doug breaks down Salaun’s potential, describing his unique blend of size and skill as reminiscent of a future star. The conversation also addresses fan frustrations with the Hornets’ draft strategy, contrasting Salaun’s trajectory with other rookies like Dalton Knecht and Jared McCain.

Looking ahead, the Hornets face a tough rematch against the Detroit Pistons. Their last encounter ended in a nail-biter, with Brandon Miller securing the game-winning tip-in at the buzzer. The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, have improved significantly, and their physicality could pose challenges for Charlotte. The hosts discuss defensive matchups, rebounding battles, and key adjustments the Hornets must make to secure a win.

Finally, we continue to discuss the broader implications of Charles Lee’s decision to bench LaMelo, questioning whether the move was a calculated effort to motivate the young star or a rash decision borne of frustration.

Don’t miss this comprehensive breakdown of all things Hornets, packed with insights, analysis, and a healthy dose of fandom!

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16 comments

  4. We should not be so quick to hang CHARLES LEE out to dry so fast , if he can’t hold Lamelo Accountable how can he say something to someone else about anything if you don’t hold the star player accountable for his actions.

    Lamelo needs to make better decisions and only make good fouls and not foolish fouls . He needs to make better shot selections and improve as a defender and be on the court in crucial moments. He needs to be able to impact the floor with defense, rebounds and passing when his shot is not falling.

    Give the First Time Black coach a chance to make mistakes just like we give the basketball players a pass when they make mistakes and we are not going to always agree on every decision made . I rather be a Black Coach up North or In the West over the South any day. You are given more room to succeed .

    We need centers that can actually shoot and get us 10-15 rebounds every night.

    We need our backcourt to defend against the 3 point shots .

    We need perimeter defenders and interior defenders.

    IF Lamelo Ball can become an average defender and we can add an elite 3 & D guy and have Centers that are available, a true 7 footer who can block shots and rebound.

    Charlotte needs better players that are defensive minded as well

  7. I disagree knecht would’ve struggled on the hornets… how many open shots are the 3 and D guys missing after a Melo assist.. that exactly the player like Melo needs alongside him

  8. I disagree with Charlotte getting punked by Brooklyn. When they tried to match the Nets physicality and on ball defense, they were getting called for fouls.

  9. Rather have miller and salaun than scoot and knecht. I definitely wish we had gotten another big… Clingan wouldve been great to have knowing our big man woes

  10. People are beyond stupid if they think you guys are paid by the Hornets. You guys actually make legitimate criticisms of the team, unlike some pods/journalists . . . looking at you, Hornets Hive Cast.

  13. Melo needs to show leadership and discipline. Coach Lee can't pamper Melo. 3-15 was terrible shooting and shooting bad shots in a close game is not what you want to see in a point guard. Tre Mann was discipline and played great defensive and was hitting his shots. Coach Lee is creating a culture and if any fan wants to move on with just less then 15 games then I hope Coach Lee leave the Hornets because the fan base is delusional.

  14. Melo needs to study Steve Nash film. Because Melo is moving away from getting teammates involved to creating his own shots. He needs to get 15 plus assist a game and 10 less shots.

  15. Why don't people discuss the fact that lamelo hits the floor 40 times a game and can't get a call even when blatantly OBVIOUS like on the rebound put back that was a clear foul 4 feet from the Refs of course he is frustrated he is a winner…..and I dont see Charles Lee defending his star by going at the Refs….but I do remember Steve Clifford getting Techs defending Lamelo and now he benches him!!! lol this is going to be a problem. And have some consideration that Melo is playing with no reliable Front court players to pass the ball to so he tries to carry the team and is giving more effort than any player on the team Miller looks lazy at times Nobody brings the energy and hustle for 48 min as Melo.

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