As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to open the 2025‑26 NBA season , guard LaMelo Ball appears to be entering the perfect alignment of personal growth and team context to deliver a breakout campaign.

Ball, now 24, posted solid numbers during the Hornets’ five‑game preseason slate: 17.3 points, 5.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 54.5 % from the field and 46.9 % from three across four contests playing 22.7 minutes.

By comparison, during the 2024‑25 preseason he averaged 14.8 points, 5.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and one block per game while shooting 38 % from the field and 41.7 % from three across four games playing about 21 minutes.

Those marked gains point to improved efficiency and decision‑making, as well as a heightened confidence in his role

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