It may have taken longer than he expected but it seems like LaVar Ball’s prediction will finally come true: LiAngelo Ball might have earned a spot on an NBA roster.
The middle child of the Ball household balled his heart out with the Charlotte Hornets in the Summer League, knocking down big shots and playing tough, physical defense as well.
His work ethic impressed some people within the organization and it seems like it’s only a matter of time before he’s officially signed:
“Great kid. Love him,” Hornets lead assistant coach Jay Triano told ESPN some days ago. “He was at the facility practicing every day for two months to play in the Summer League. Shows a ton of character. He can shoot it, great feel, knack for scoring.”
When asked about the prospect of teaming up with his younger brother LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo seemed pretty excited and vowed to be ready for whichever role they need out of him:
“I hope so,” Ball said, as quoted by Evan Sidery of Basketball News. “It’s really the coaches’ decision, but I feel I’m ready for [it], whether [it’s] the NBA, Summer League, anything, really. They just got to tell me what to do and then I’ll be ready.”
“I don’t make the game too hard. If the shot’s open, I’m going to take it,” Ball added. “I got enough confidence in my shot. I mean, I practice those shots, so it’s not like I’m rushing anything. It’s just like practice.”
Judging by what we’ve seen, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to think that LiAngelo could actually play meaningful minutes for the Hornets next season.
While not a superstar, he proved to be an efficient shooter and above-average defender, and the obvious ties to the franchise’s cornerstone player make it an even easier decision for Charlotte.
