Since being selected third overall in 2020. LaMelo ball has emerged as one of the most exciting young guards in the NBA. In the midst of another All-Star season, one former player compared the Hornets guard to a Hall of Famer.
After missing most of last season with an injury, Ball is putting together his best campaign in the pros. He is currently fourth in scoring with 29.6 points per game while averaging 5.5 rebounds and 7.5 assists.
In the midst of his stellar play, LaMelo Ball leads all Eastern Conference backcourt players in All-Star voting. Gilbert Arenas defended the voters on his podcast, saying that Ball deserves this much recognition. He also stated that the Charlotte Hornets star gets so much attention because he draws parallels to Allen Iverson.
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After this bold move, ex Minnesota Timberwolves guard Rashad McCants announced to Arenas.
“Allen Iverson led them to the playoffs,” McCants said. “LaMelo didn’t do what Allen Iverson did.”
To this day, Iverson is still considered one of the most iconic guards in NBA history. Despite being undersized, he emerged as a superstar for the Philadelphia 76ers. A former MVP, Iverson famously led the 76ers to the 2001 NBA Finals.
As for McCants, he spent four years in the league after being drafted 14th overall by the Timberwolves in 2005.
LaMelo Ball beats out Donovan Mitchell, Damian Lillard in All-Star voting
With about a month to go until All-Star weekend, fan voting is still ongoing. In the latest results, LaMelo Ball beat out two superstar-caliber players in the voting.
The Hornets guard remains the top guard in the Eastern Conference with 1.9 million votes. Somewhat behind him are the stars of the Cleveland Cavaliers Donovan Mitchell (1.5 million) and Damian Lillard (1.2 million).
Among all players, LaMelo Ball is one of 10 players with at least 1.9 million fan votes or more. Others in this group are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokic and LeBron James.
If Ball can stay in the top spot, he has a good chance to be a starter in the All-Star Game this year. Fan voting makes up 50%, and the media and players give the other 50%. Voting will continue for another week and the rookies will be officially announced on Inside the NBA on January 23rd.
Ball is on track to earn All-Star honors for the second time in his young career. He was last named in 2022 in just his second year in the NBA.
Edited by Kevin McCormick
