Former NBA All-Star Baron Davis shared candid insights about LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets’ future during an appearance on Podcast P with Paul George, presented by Wave Original. Davis emphasized the importance of Ball setting concrete goals and the franchise choosing a clear path forward.
“I think LaMelo need to have a goal going into the season,” Davis said on the podcast. “I will be the top point guard coming out at the end of the season, play 82 games or whatnot and I’m going to get my team to the playoffs.”
Davis also pointed out that while Ball’s individual brand and All-Star level play are impressive, he must aim higher if he wants to elevate the team. He added, “So I think that’s where Melo got to take his talent and take his goals outside of just, oh, I’m one of the top dogs in the league and I’m trying to make the All-Star game because I’m a brand.”
The two-time All-Star highlighted the organizational side as equally critical. He explained that the Hornets need to establish accountability and make strategic decisions about how to build around their star guard. “You got to pick a direction. You got to choose a direction… when they get a superstar talent, the hardest thing to do is know how to build around a LaMelo Ball,” Davis noted.
Ball, 23, demonstrated his offensive firepower early in the 2024–25 season, averaging 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds over 47 games. However, Charlotte struggled to convert his production into wins.
On March 28, the Hornets announced Ball would miss the rest of the season to undergo minor procedures on his ankle and wrist.
