LaMelo Ball is on pace to be the first Hornet to achieve this impressive milestone

Ball is close to completing something that not even Kemba Walker did.

Mar 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) celebrates a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

When Kemba Walker left the Charlotte Hornets for the Boston Celtics during the 2019 offseason, finding his replacement felt daunting.

The guard had arguably the greatest season in Hornets history, averaging 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, 4.4 rebounds, while playing all 82 games. That season Walker became the first Hornet since Al Jefferson, and the second since the 1999-2000 season (Eddie Jones) to reach an All-NBA team.

Apr 7, 2019; Detroit, MI, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) smiles on the court during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-Imagn Images | Raj Mehta-Imagn Images

It only took two seasons for the Hornets to find Walker's successor.

LaMelo Ball, the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, is on track to be the first player in team history to average 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a single season. Ball is averaging 25.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists on the season, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 33.1% from three point land.

Though Ball was not an all-star and is ineligible for any post-season awards, there is no doubt that this is one of the greatest seasons in the history of the Buzz, and the star is in the first year of a 5-year, $203.85 million contract, the largest in Hornets history.

Walker even spoke high praise of Ball and teammate Brandon Miller during a FanDuel TV video during the weekend.

"Melo and Brandon, you know I definitely gained a very strong relationship with. I think those two guys are very, very talented and can take this organization to places that it's never been."

The Hornets legend and current assistant coach knows Ball is special, and the 23-year-old proves it more and more every year.

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