Although it was not converted into points in the end, LaMelo performed the tasks given by the coach very accurately and passed the ball quickly. The Hornets' style of play this season is like a sports car, and LaMelo is the most important engine. Whether from a court or business perspective, he is the Hornets' most dazzling potential star.
"His passing makes people feel like they're watching a movie," Terry Rozier said. "He's always coming up with new tricks."
Although the Hornets' current pace is not the fastest (currently ranked around 19-20th in pace), the team's fast break points rank fifth, and their total assists and assist rate rank among the top three in the league. Triano hopes the team can speed up again, and LaMelo is a key player.
The Hornets currently average about 315 passes per game, ranking second in the league, second only to the Sixers. LaMelo currently plays an average of 25 minutes per game and passes about 2 times per minute, ranking only behind Domantas Sabonis, Nikola Jokic, Ben Simmons and Draymond Green. His efficiency is even better than Luka Doncic, James Harden and his brother Lonza Ball.
Before the 2020 draft, most people thought that LaMelo was talented, but not ready to fight. However, he immediately broke this idea. Although his performance on the court was not sophisticated, at least he was content. He gave the Hornets the speed they needed most. and conduction. In addition, his shooting and rebounding are unexpectedly good, and he has become the youngest player in history to record a triple.
"He feels like he has been playing in the NBA for several years," Hornets head coach James Borrego said. "He is very comprehensive and can support the team in different ways and even dominate the game. This is not like a 19-year-old rookie at all. .”
"I've been playing like this since I was 3 years old, so I'm quite adapted to the NBA." LaMelo said after winning the big three. "I played against a lot of players in their 20s when I was growing up."
But LaMelo sometimes shows his rookie roughness on the court, making low-level mistakes and outrageous head injuries, but his golf IQ and athletic ability are always on the court.
LaMelo, who mainly plays ball control, is 6 feet 6 inches tall. Although his strength is still insufficient, he has the so-called spirituality that cannot be quantified. "He has an understanding of the game and an overall view. This is a talent that cannot be learned by learning." Nick. Head coach Tom Thibodeau said, "He can see where the gaps are, or use height to expand his field of vision and create many different changes."
The Hornets have given the team a lot of room to play freely offensively this season. They have Gordan Hayward, Devonte' Graham, and Rozier sharing the ball-handling pressure, plus Bismack Biyombo, PJ Washington, Miles Bridges, Cody Zeller and other attackers who can attack the basket. Hands, this is more suitable for LaMelo, unlike Trae Young who needs to get rid of to create space, but he has the height and wingspan to directly dismantle the defense
"Our play style is very selfless, and LaMelo is a very important part. He is very willing to share the ball, which is rare for high-profile rookies." Hayward said.
LaMelo's success rate from the outside and attacking the basket still needs to grow, but he still has time, and his positive effects on the court clearly outweigh the negative effects.
"What endears the team most to him is his character and attitude. Although he was well-known before entering the NBA, he has no star baggage. LaMelo is very willing to learn, especially the interaction with his teammates," Borrego said.
For the Hornets, LaMelo is not only a rising star that exceeds expectations, but his business and skills can also drive the marketing of the Hornets' small-market team. More importantly, his attitude and affinity may make him the most creative player in team history. Cornerstone star.
