Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams says LaMelo Ball has been fully locked in this offseason, showing up consistently and embracing a leadership role.
In an interview with The Charlotte Observer’s Roderick Boone, Williams highlighted Ball’s daily commitment to workouts and team building. “He’s in there every single day,” Williams said. “He’s actually putting the work in every single day, not this person who is away from us and claims to be doing the work.”
Ball is coming off a 2024–25 season that was cut short due to minor ankle and wrist surgeries in March. Prior to the shutdown, the 23-year-old averaged a career-high 25.2 points to go along with 7.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds across 47 games.
His campaign included standout performances like a 50-point game against the Bucks on Nov. 23 and a 44-point effort against Orlando just days later.
Despite injuries limiting his availability the past two seasons, the 2021 Rookie of the Year appears determined to rewrite the narrative. According to Williams, the guard is not just showing up physically but also embracing responsibilities as a vocal presence and organizer.
“He’s being very welcoming in a sense of as a leader,” Williams added. “Understanding that he’s going to have to take it to a more mature step in his role in order for us to be the best team possible.”
Ball holds career averages of 21.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. He was named an All-Star in 2022 and remains the centerpiece of Charlotte’s long-term plans.
