In 2024-25, the Hornets stumbled to a dismal 19-63 record, their worst showing since 2011-12 and second-worst in the Eastern Conference.
LaMelo Ball, the team’s brightest star and former third overall pick, might be causing unexpected problems in Charlotte. According to Mike Lacett of Carolina Sports Live, “at least one” prospect in the upcoming draft has flat-out refused to meet with the Hornets because they don’t want to play alongside Ball.
That’s a pretty serious red flag for a franchise already struggling to attract talent.
The Hornets hold the 4th pick in next week’s NBA draft, but their options might be limited if players are actively avoiding them.
Some draft insiders believe Rutgers’ Ace Bailey could be the prospect who’s steering clear of Charlotte, though the 18-year-old hasn’t worked out for any team ahead of the June 25 draft. Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears is another name being floated in basketball circles.
If it’s Fears, the reasoning makes sense. Both he and LaMelo play point guard, and Fears would likely be stuck on the bench behind the five-year veteran.
Lacett hasn’t named names, leaving everyone to speculate about who’s dodging the Hornets.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. And right now, there’s plenty of smoke around LaMelo’s impact on the team’s ability to build a competitive roster.
For a small-market team like Charlotte, this is a nightmare scenario. They already face tough odds attracting free agents – now draft prospects might be crossing them off their list too?
LaMelo’s father LaVar isn’t helping matters. His constant presence and headline-grabbing comments have only added to the negative perception. Just recently, he publicly campaigned for the Clippers to trade for his son and bring him back to Los Angeles.
Not exactly the kind of family support that builds confidence in Charlotte’s future with LaMelo.
The question Hornets fans are asking: Is their All-Star point guard becoming more trouble than he’s worth?
