It’s that time of year again, where rumors fly, trades swirl, and half the NBA fanbase lives on refresh. The Charlotte Hornets? They’re in the middle of all of it. But this time, the buzz isn’t just about what Charlotte might do with the $14 million they’ve got left in cap flexibility. It’s about LaMelo Ball. And a message that came not from a scout, coach, or GM. But from a former All-Star and ex-Warrior who knows exactly what it takes to lead a franchise.
Baron Davis, the former Golden State Warriors point guard and one of the most unfiltered, respected voices in the game, made it plain during his appearance on Paul George’s podcast. He didn’t dance around the topic. When it comes to LaMelo Ball’s next step, Davis believes it has to start with intent.
A real goal, on a real mission. “I think, one, for LaMelo, LaMelo needs to have like a goal going into the season. I’m going to 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 said. That’s not a motivational poster quote; that’s the blueprint. This isn’t about highlights, flash, or building a brand. It’s not about chasing All-Star nods or being viral on House of Highlights. It’s about playing full seasons, leading your squad, and putting the Hornets in a playoff position, not just surviving in the standings.
For Davis, this is the shift LaMelo needs. Not just being “one of the top dogs” talent-wise, but stepping into the role of the guy…the one who sets the tone for the franchise. That kind of leap doesn’t happen on its own. It takes focus, goals, and real leadership. And the clock’s ticking. “He needs to have that. But also, on the team side, there got to be some accountability, right, or some direction, right?” Davis added.
But now comes the test. Does LaMelo Ball step up and lead a winning team? And do the Hornets keep building the right way, or chase another half-fit with no direction?
This is a developing story…
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