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Steve Clifford reveals Hornets' high expectations for LaMelo Ball

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/18/23

LaMelo Ball's 2022-23 season was cut short due to injury. The All-Star guard fractured his ankle after 36 games. Ball has only recently begun working out with the Charlotte Hornets. He could be ready for the start of the new season.

Hornets head coach Steve Clifford has high hopes for his star player. During a recent podcast appearance, Clifford told HoopsHype Michael Scotto the Hornets envision Ball becoming "the elite point guard" in the NBA.

"I think, obviously, our vision for him (Ball) is to be the elite point guard in the league or one of the two or three best point guards in the league, which he obviously has the talent to do," Clifford said. "He has the work ethic to do it...If you watch him when he does his routine when he works out, he’s a great shooter."

Hornets coach Steve Clifford shared behind the scenes stories on Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, James Harden, and what’s next for LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and more on the @hoopshype podcast. https://t.co/bZpxOuiZuf
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) October 18, 2023

Ball, 22, is one of the most unique players in the NBA. At 6-foot-7, he is an oversized point guard. He's an above-average 3-point shooter and one of the best playmakers in the league. The Hornets star has all the talent to develop into an elite guard. However, he will need to vastly improve on the defensive end. Otherwise, Ball will become a neutral asset who can provide offense but is a liability on defense.

Clifford, for his part, has a reputation for being a defensive-minded coach. As such, Ball will likely have significant tutoring in how to play defense at a high level. Give that he's three to four years away from entering his prime, Ball can take multiple developmental leaps in that time.

Still, the former lottery pick will need to prove he can stay healthy. Ball has had multiple injury issues since entering the league. If he can remain on the court and double down on developing his defensive game, Clifford's vision for Ball could become a reality in the coming years.

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