NBA legend Isiah Thomas was spot on to brutally question LaMelo Ball’s mentality

LaMelo Ball has long been seen as the face of the Charlotte Hornets franchise. However, his role has been called into question, especially with the emergence of rookie Kon Knueppel, with NBA legend Isiah Thomas questioning his mentality.

Thomas on Monday on Peacock’s “NBA Showtime” questioned Ball’s priorities. He argued that the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year needs to decide between wanting to be liked and winning.

"We love him; everybody likes him. He walks into the room, lights it up. All the players around the league like him. When they start hating him and disliking him, that's when he'll start winning."

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LaMelo Ball on his day is one of the league’s most exciting players. Injuries and a perceived lack of a strong winning mentality have seen many question his ability. An anonymous NBA scout told ESPN that while his skill is undeniable some teams see him as lacking the leadership and discipline needed to build a culture of sustained success.

His best-ever season came in the 2024-25 season. That year, he averaged 25.2 points, but still could lead the Hornets to the playoffs as they finished 14th in the East with a 19-63 record. In his five seasons with Charlotte, they have made the postseason twice and that journey ended in the play-in tournament.

This season, the Hornets (9-20) are 12th and have won five of their last 15 games. With the Hornets still struggling and the league making plans to change the rules of the draft to avoid “tanking” LaMelo Ball needs to change his mentality or he’d just let the whole league know that Isiah Thomas was spot on in questioning his mentality.

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What’s next for LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets?

LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets need to have a conversation to decide what’s next for both parties. The emergence of Knueppel has given the organization a new face and someone to build around.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball - Source: Imagn

Although some argue that the former Duke star and Ball can both help in rebuilding the franchise. That depends on how fit he can be throughout an entire season, as he has repeatedly missed time due to ankle injuries.

The Hornets now have a decision to make, either to build around both players or trade Ball for future assets and hope that Knueppel, alongside Brandon Miller brings good fortune to the organization.

Edited by Ubong Richard