"That team is trash because LaMelo is trash" - Anonymous NBA player throws shade at LaMelo Ball and Charlotte Hornets after facing them in preseason

In just two seasons, LaMelo Ball has already become the clear-cut face of the Charlotte Hornets. Ball won the Rookie of the Year award in 2021. Last season, Ball became the Hornets' first All-Star since Kemba Walker in 2019. However, not all are not convinced that Ball is worth building around.

In a recent episode of “The Unrestricted Area” podcast, NBA analyst David Thorpe called out Ball for his lack of competitiveness:

"This LaMelo Ball, when he's the face of your franchise, you're all about style and substance. You're not about competitiveness, you're not about toughness, you're not about winning.

"LaMelo's gotta grow up. I see nothing from him, not in Year 3, that shows me he cares about winning. I don't believe that he does.”

Thorpe also said that an unnamed player criticized Ball:

"I talked to a player that played against Charlotte this preseason. And the player told me, 'That team is trash because LaMelo Ball is trash.'"

LaMelo Ball may not be a top player yet, but his skills as a 6-foot-7 playmaker are second to none. Ball has helped the Hornets play at a faster pace and develop into one of the most exciting offensive teams. The Hornets finished as a top-eight offensive team last season with a rating of 113.6.

However, their defense struggled. The Hornets were ranked 22nd in defensive rating at 113.1. Ball's lack of defense is well documented. Surrounding him with elite defenders will help the Hornets get to the next level.

Last season, Ball averaged 20.1 points, 6.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists. He also helped the Hornets to 43 wins, their most wins since the 2015-2016 season when they won 48 games. This is a very impressive resume for someone his age, and the Hornets should continue to build around Ball.

Should the Charlotte Hornets tank for Victor Wembanyama to try and pair him with LaMelo Ball?

Metropolitans 92 big man Victor Wembanyama.

LaMelo Ball is reportedly expected to miss the start of the season for the Charlotte Hornets with a Grade 2 ankle sprain. Miles Bridges isn't with the team either as he continues to stay on the sidelines due to domestic violence charges against him by his wife.

The absence of the two players means the Hornets will start the season without their two leading scorers from last season. The two combined for 40.3 points per game. Many have suggested that the team should tank to draft generational 7-3 prospect Victor Wembanyama.

If the Charlotte Hornets can somehow land Wembanyama, he could be the perfect co-star for Ball. The two could form a dynamic duo with Ball’s playmaking and Wembanyama’s rim protection and all-around skills.

Even if the Hornets decide to tank, it doesn't guarantee the No. 1 pick in the draft. After the revised lottery, the highest odds for the No. 1 pick is just 14%.

For now, it seems like the Charlotte Hornets are probably better off developing LaMelo Ball and their young core.