Hornets' LaMelo Ball given one-word label no NBA star wants

Jeremy Beren

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Hornets' LaMelo Ball given one-word label no NBA star wants image

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Amid swirling questions around his future in Charlotte, a veteran NBA insider has revealed just what people around the league think of Hornets guard LaMelo Ball.

Last month, Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko reported that Ball and the Hornets had mutual interest in a separation. Now in his sixth NBA season, one-time All-Star Ball has established himself as a wildly-talented but injury-prone guard; the Hornets have had one winning season with him on the roster.

Ball and the Hornets moved quickly to shut down trade speculation, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill rom churning. That said, Ball's value around the NBA does not seem as if it's very high -- and even if he is unhappy in Charlotte, he may have to get used to the idea of sticking around and making it work.

According to Jake Fischer, Ball has been described as "the most unserious player in the NBA," a devastating label that will cause most teams to stay away from the former top-three draft pick.

In 16 games played, Ball this season is averaging 19.4 points and a career-best 8.5 assists. The Hornets, at 7-17, are on track to miss the NBA playoffs for the 10th year running -- and Ball is in the middle of a max contract that will pay him $130 million over the next three years.

It would make some sense for the Hornets to field offers for Ball and trigger a soft reset around potential Rookie of the Year Kon Knueppel. But if the league views Ball as "unserious," Charlotte has no choice other than to hope he stays healthy and productive.

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Contributing Writer