James Borrego on how LaMelo Ball exceeded expectations in rookie season
LaMelo Ball’s rookie season, like the Hornets’ season itself, sputtered to an end on Tuesday as Charlotte was blown out in their play-in game. It was a frustrating conclusion to a bright season, but perspective was not lost within the franchise less than 24 hours later.
In speaking with the media for the last time during the regular season on Wednesday, James Borrego spoke about how Ball exceeded expectations in a season unlike any other in league history.
“I didn’t know what to expect when we drafted him,” Borrego said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the kid on this roster. He’s ignited us. He’s given us hope. He’s given us tremendous excitement. The season has had ebbs and flows. There’s been highs and lows throughout the season but I’m very proud of Melo and how he’s handled this year.
“It’s not easy to come into a situation like this with no Summer League and very limited practice time,” he added. “To do what he did was extremely special and we can’t forget that. We can’t forget that this kid came into an NBA not having any foundation laid for him. He was just thrust to the fire and he handled himself with maturity and honesty and courage and I’m extremely proud of him for that.”
Ball’s rookie year will likely be separated into two parts: pre-injury and post-injury. Before his injury, Ball was electric, exciting and the catalyst for so much of the Hornets’ success.
Following his injury and the month-long layoff it required, Ball never found that same rhythm and groove. While there were moments and flashes, including 23 points in a win over Detroit which featured a heavy dose of Ball in the fourth quarter, ultimately the rookie shot just 38.4% from the field and 24.4% from the 3-point line in the final 10 games of the regular season before going 4-of-14 from the field in the play-in loss to the Pacers.
Still, Ball’s season was an overwhelming success in totality. It will likely be enough to earn him the Rookie of the Year award and certainly is enough to earn him All-Rookie honors. More important than the accolades, though, is that it sparked an excitement inside and out of the Hornets organization for what is in store for years to come.
