What a day for LiAngelo Ball. After an offseason that consisted of future uncertainty, the Charlotte Hornets removed all doubt — for now at least — and signed him to a non-guaranteed contract. The move was not too surprising given his brother, LaMelo Ball is a superstar in the making, but reassuring nonetheless.
The Hornets have had a forgettable offseason thus far, and today’s news is enough to provide good thoughts, even if just for a little while.
Related: LiAngelo Ball signs free agent contract with Hornets
LiAngelo’s signing brings the Hornets’ roster to 20 spots currently. This opens the door for him to have a more substantial role with the Greensboro Swarm, and possibly earn an official spot in Charlotte.
What does LiAngelo Ball signing with the Charlotte Hornets mean?
My biggest takeaway is the Hornets are all-in on LaMelo. The early signs of leaking reports of him being offered a rookie max extension was the first tell-tale sign. Hanging on to LiAngelo after a less than stellar season in the G-League was another. The cherry on top? Today’s signing is the key.
Look no further than the latest version of nepotism within the NBA than the Milwaukee Bucks. Currently, the Bucks organization has three Antetokounmpo brothers on payroll. Arguably the top player in the NBA currently, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has certainly flexed his gigantic muscles in brokering these transactions. The two-time MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and champion has little doubt just how the Bucks feel about him, and see to it he feels comfortable in every facet of his life.
His younger brother Thanasis, has been with the Bucks for three seasons. His most productive season to date was last year when he averaged 3.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.5 assists. The youngest of the trio, Alex, recently signed with the Wisconsin Herd of the G-League.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (far left) has parlayed his spectacular play into seeing his brothers join him on his NBA journey. Photo by Kyle Terada — USA TODAY Sports
As comfortable as the Bucks want Giannis to feel, the same courtesy should, and appears to be extended to LaMelo by the Hornets. Both are generational talents, and an organizations’ dream. Doing everything in its power to hold on to that is the smart thing to do.
Michael Jordan would know a thing or two about that.
