Ball immediately brings star power and will be expected to spark excitement within the franchiseGETTY IMAGES
The Hornets have been "in need of a star" for several years, and they now "may have a star" after drafting LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft last night, according to ESPN's Rece Davis. ESPN's Mike Schmitz said the Hornets "got the best player in the draft," and as a small-market team, they "need a guy like that who they can hand the keys to” (“NBA Draft,” ESPN, 11/18). USA TODAY's Matt Eppers notes the Hornets "needed to find a way to spark some excitement in a middling franchise," and picking Ball "brings immediate star power to the Charlotte backcourt" (USA TODAY, 11/19). THE ATHLETIC's John Hollinger wrote there are "no sure things in this draft, but this is an absolute no-brainer of a pick that gives the Hornets a chance at a star" (THEATHLETIC.com, 11/18). NBA TV’s Brendan Haywood noted Hornets fans are “starving for a star.” Haywood: “The Charlotte Hornets know that they’re not going to get a big-time star in free agency” (“NBA Draft,” NBA TV, 11/18).
NOT COMPLETELY SOLD YET: In Charlotte, Scott Fowler writes the selection of Ball will "sell all sorts of tickets, and it will generate all sorts of revenue for a small-market team that badly needs a one-name star." However, he is worried that Ball "isn't going to be a big NBA star." The Hornets "badly need some more style, and style is what Ball has," but there is "not enough substance to go along with it" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 11/19).
