Latest news with #LaMeloBall
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Baron Davis On How The Charlotte Hornets Can End Their Playoff Drought: ‘For One, They Have To Be Healthy'
It's hard to believe it, but the Charlotte Hornets haven't won a playoff series since Baron Davis suited up for them. The former two-time All-Star guard played for the Hornets from 1999 until 2005. Davis was the face of the franchise after the team selected him with the third overall pick in the 1999 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-3 guard led Charlotte to the playoffs during all five full seasons he was with the team, leading them to their last playoff series win in 2002. Flash forward 23 years later and the Hornets haven't won a playoff series since. Charlotte has the longest current NBA playoff series win drought and the longest postseason appearance drought, with their last one coming during the 2015-16 season. The Hornets have some key young franchise pieces, including LaMelo Ball, a former All-Star who averaged 25.2 points per game during the 2024-25 season. However, Ball only started 47 games and he was ruled out for the remainder of the season in late March due to two procedures to address ankle and wrist issues. Ball has only appeared in a combined 105 games over the past three since his All-Star appearance in 2022. The injuries to Ball combined to other key pieces of the team such as Brandon Miller and Tre Mann have played a major role in Charlotte's playoff drought. The Hornets finished with a 19-63 record, the third-worst mark in the NBA. "For one, they have to be healthy when you're a young team like that," says Davis in a one-on-one interview when asked what they do need to do get things on the right track. "It's important that your chemistry is on and when you look at Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, all these guys have been hurt over the last year and a half, two seasons. "It's really derailed their growth as that next young team that could potentially be scary," Davis continues to say. "The next Detroit or Houston as far as talent. I think for the Hornets, they need to get some able bodies and the right combination of veteran leadership to complement their young superstars." The Hornets have been among the worst teams in the NBA in recent seasons, all coinciding with major injuries to Ball. During the 2023-24 season, Charlotte posted a 21-61 record and during the 2022-23 season, they posted a 27-55 record. For three consecutive years, the Hornets have posted the second-worst record in the Eastern Conference. By comparison, they racked up a respectable 43-39 record during the 2021-22 campaign, the last season Ball was healthy. "We can't really start the process of seeing what you have, where you want to go, setting different goals, until you actually have a full squad, and they've never started and finished the season with the same squad," says Davis. When asked what the Hornets should do with their No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Davis says that if he was the general manager, he would be "exploring all options." "If I was the GM, I'd be exploring all options," says Davis. "I'd be trying to compliment LaMelo Ball with a veteran star or superstar, somebody that can anchor these young guys. With the fourth pick, there's going to be some great talent. But I think the Hornets are in a good position, because they got a lot of really good young talent and really good young talent that has potential. This can be an incredible off season for them where they can align themselves and put the right team together." While Davis is obviously best known for his 13-year NBA career, he has since made his mark as an entrepreneur. The 46-year-old Davis is making his mark in the business world with "Business Inside The Game," which is a membership community for athletes and entrepreneurs. Davis will be at the Social Innovation Summit on Tuesday and Wednesday in San Francisco, California and is speaking on stage on Wednesday for "A Future Worth Building: Gamechangers in Action" in session. He'll be speaking to attendees on what it means to drive social impact through entrepreneurship. "This is the first one that we're collaborating with Business Inside The Game," says Davis. Our platform and our membership concierge is starting to expand into partnerships with social innovation, which is one of the leading platforms in our space." The former NBA guard has done a few of these events at the Social Innovation Summit and explains why it's important for entrepreneurs or those thinking of becoming one to attend. "As we start looking at sports and entertainment, things are changing," says Davis. "There's going to be new opportunities and new verticals. When you look at the student athlete, the NIL athlete, professional athletes have more opportunities now to treat themselves as entrepreneurs based on the skills they want to develop and the connections and who they want to be when they grow up." Davis' biggest advice to young athletes — many who are already business-minded and entrepreneurs during their college careers — is to "invest in yourself." "Invest in yourself, invest in your education, invest in your skill sets," says Davis. "The same way you would invest in your playing career, some of the things that you want to as an entrepreneur, whatever that industry is, investing your knowledge in that industry. In turn, shadow, find mentors, because that's going to ultimately help you succeed as an entrepreneur." The former All-Star guard will be launching his app for "Business Inside The Game" this year, which is a concierge for executives, entrepreneurs and investors. He details that through membership in the app, members have special access to events behind the scenes and special activations. He also is releasing a business-centric podcast in July of the same name as his company. He name drops guests such as Jack Black, Draymond Green and Russell Westbrook's wife, Nina, who is an entrepreneur herself after starring at UCLA as a basketball player. Davis details how the biggest challenge of being an entrepreneur is the "lonely road" you travel to build your business. "Just learning how to really run a show," says Davis. "as an entrepreneur, you have to do everything for your business. In sports, you already have a team, you already have an institution and people around you. As an entrepreneur, it's more of a lonely road."
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Jude Bellingham declares his love for model girlfriend Ashlyn Castro as she returns to Instagram for the first time in three months
England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham wasted little time making his feelings clear after his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro's return to Instagram. Castro had not posted in almost four months on the social media platform before her sharing her latest snaps on Saturday, but Bellingham was quick to comment with a green love heart. The influencer and model then responded with a kissing-face emoji as the couple made a very public display of their affections. It was revealed in January that Bellingham, 21, and Castro, 27, were dating, with the footballer going public with his new partner in February as he flew back from Real Madrid 's Champions League clash against Man City at the Etihad alongside her. The pair have since been seen together on multiple occasions, including last month at the Bernabeu as they watched a Real game from the stands alongside Bellingham's mum Denise. However, the start of Castro's relationship with Bellingham has been marred by claims about Castro's past along with an escort site hoax. She was previously linked with Hollywood actor Michael B Jordan and NBA stars LaMelo Ball and Terance Mann, while a viral video also claimed that Castro had dated Lewis Hamilton and Jamie Foxx after making tenuous links between social media activity. And, in an emotional monologue on TikTok of more than 10 minutes, Castro, who has more than 600,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, put to bed several false rumours. 'I don't even know where to begin, but I'm going to try my best to just get into it,' she said in a video that was titled 'The hardest part is not speaking the truth, but finding the courage to do it'. She went onto debunk several claims made about her, including allegations of being unfaithful. 'It makes me super uncomfortable talking on camera about my personal life,' Castro added. 'I've never even really spoken on camera too many times, so bear with me. 'Every angle you can think of, people have attacked me, harassed me, been so disrespectful. It's just been too much. 'Let's talk about this dating history. I've had three boyfriends over the last eight years. In 2017, I was in my very first relationship and he's a public figure, so because of that, I've dealt with people talking about me, making up things about me. 'There was nothing on the internet about me prior, so people kind of just made up a bunch of things to justify hating me because of who I was dating at the time. @ashlyncastro17 The hardest part is not speaking the truth, but finding the courage to do it. ♬ original sound - Ashlyn 'And then over the last six years after that, I've dated two people. So three relationships in total.' Castro's former partner Mann has previously publicly defended her and similarly refuted false allegations made about the influencer. 'Ashlyn is cool, people,' Mann told his viewers in a TikTok live stream. 'I don't know why everybody is on her head about anything. She's cool. Me and Ash are cool.' He added that he was certain Castro was not unfaithful and that people should 'calm that narrative down'.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New NBA rumor opens door for Houston Rockets or Orlando Magic to land star they need in summer trade
The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic could use a game-changer talent at the point guard spot, and a new rumor about one of the league's best has opened the door to a potential blockbuster trade this summer. The Rockets and Magic are two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They also both have a pair of talented youngsters who can be All-Stars any year. But they also have a similar problem. They both have the potential to be perennial playoff teams, but lack the offensive thump to go far in the tournament. That was evident last month as both were ousted in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. Advertisement Well, an opportunity to get the impact point guard the pair of teams would love to have may come this summer, according to ESPN NBA insider Jeremy Woo. Also Read: NBA games today – Get a look at the upcoming NBA playoffs schedule 'On paper, VJ Edgecombe is a natural fit, sliding between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, with his downhill explosiveness, slashing style, and significant defensive potential complementing Ball's vision and creativity and Miller's shotmaking prowess,' Woo wrote in a new mock draft. 'He also offers room to grow into a larger ball-handling role. Which could make him more attractive to Charlotte, providing a long-term option in the backcourt. 'The Hornets took a patient approach at the trade deadline. And opposing teams are curious about their level of urgency this offseason, having sold at the trade deadline but also having missed the playoffs nine straight seasons.' Should the Houston Rockets or Orlando Magic inquire about LaMelo Ball's availability? Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images While drafting Edgecombe with the fourth overall pick in next month's NBA Draft makes sense for Charlotte. That point of having long-term potential as the main ball handler is interesting. Especially since there have been rumblings over the last couple of months that the Hornets might ponder trading young star LaMelo Ball. Advertisement Despite Ball having a good season — when healthy — Charlotte again had one of the worst records in the league. Although this group is still young and has potential, there is enough evidence that they aren't a good mix. And it should be broken up. Due to Ball's injury history, moving on from the $168 million he is still owed should be considered by the Hornets if they can get a good return. When on the floor, Ball is a special talent. This season, he averaged 25 points and over seven assists per game. He is the type of scoring threat and creator that the Houston Rockets could have used this spring. No disrespect to Fred VanVleet, who is well-liked. But Ball could be the final piece of an impressive young core for Houston with Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. Furthermore, they have the assets to get a deal done and could free up a huge amount of cap space by not picking up VanVleet's option for next season. The Orlando Magic badly need a major impact player out of the backcourt. They have used first-round picks in recent years to find their point guard of the future to no avail. Ball would be a great addition as a pure scorer and would take some of the responsibility off Paolo Banchero. But he could also help in making life easier when it comes to getting shots for both Banchero and Franz Wagner. Also Read:: 50 Best NBA players right now: Where do Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson land in 2025? Advertisement Related Headlines
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Can Tre Johnson be the answer for Charlotte Hornets in 2025 NBA Draft?
There's a yearning in Charlotte—call it a craving—for someone who can just score. Whether it's Texas' Tre Johnson or Duke's Kon Knueppel, a segment of Hornets fans are begging for a bucket-getter. A pure scorer. A guy who can put the biscuit in the basket. With the Hornets slotted at No. 4 in the 2025 NBA Draft, there's both flexibility and frustration in the air. Sure, the top four could feature some mix of Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe (shuffle the names however you want)—but what if the Hornets miss out on that tier? What if they're left picking from the next group of talent? That's where things get interesting. Advertisement Enter Johnson into the fold Johnson, a 6-foot-6 wing with a silky handle and a knack for creating his own shot, is arguably the best pure scorer outside the projected top tier. His offensive game is smooth, dynamic, and often electric. Pull-up threes, midrange fadeaways, creative finishes—he's got it all in the bag. But here's the catch. Most of that bag is self-generated. From the film, it's clear—Tre thrives with the ball in his hands. He's less of a catch-and-shoot guy and more of an iso-heavy initiator. That's fine at Texas. In Charlotte, it's a little trickier. Because here's the truth: the Hornets already have guys who need the ball. Advertisement Fit Check: Is Tre Johnson the Right Thread in Charlotte's Fabric? LaMelo Ball is the franchise's primary creator. Brandon Miller is still growing into his scoring alpha role. Nick Smith Jr. is another ball-dominant guard trying to carve out his space. Do you want to toss another creator into that blender? It's not that Johnson doesn't have value—he absolutely does. It's that Charlotte needs complementary value. The best version of this Hornets team isn't everyone cooking at the same time. It's spacing, synergy, and layered offense. Can Tre Johnson learn to thrive off the ball? Can he run off screens, spot up, and knock down catch-and-shoot threes? If so, that changes the conversation. If not, the Hornets might be drafting a skill set they already have. Advertisement Related: Michael Jordan turns heads by announcing return to NBA Defense and Development New head coach Charles Lee has made one thing clear that this team will defend. There's no shortcut around it. And to Johnson's credit, he has the tools. At 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan, the physical foundation is there. The question is effort—and instinct. From the tape, Johnson's defense reads as reactive, not proactive. His stance is a bit too upright. His rotations feel a step slow. Defense is 85% effort and focus. It's not just being in the right place at the right time; it's forcing the issue. Can he get there with NBA coaching? Maybe. But as of now, he projects more as a net-neutral defender, not a stopper. Advertisement And what about playmaking? Johnson has flashed some vision, but he's not a natural facilitator. He's more get mine than get yours. That's not inherently bad—but next to LaMelo and Miller, it's something to consider. Can he evolve into a secondary playmaker, or does he see himself as a primary option? Related: How NBA should fix tanking with a path forward for Hornets thanks to Pat Riley The Big Picture There are real questions around Tre Johnson—and that's okay. The draft is always a puzzle, and Charlotte can't afford to force the wrong piece. Johnson might be the smoothest scorer left on the board. He might also be redundant. Advertisement The answer lies in Johnson's mentality: is he ready to adapt? Can he buy into a role, play off-ball, and give consistent effort defensively? Or will the Hornets once again be left wondering what could've been? There's no denying Johnson's talent. But if Charlotte wants to turn the corner, they'll need more than a highlight reel. They'll need an actual fit for the future.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lonzo Ball fires up social media with LaMelo trade projection
Lonzo Ball believes his brother's time in Charlotte might be coming to an end. The Chicago Bulls guard recently gave his 2025 NBA Draft projections, saying LaMelo Ball will be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers during the offseason. Advertisement "I low key got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets and I got Melo going to the Clips," Lonzo said on his What An Experience podcast. The Hornets own the No. 4 overall pick in next month's draft and are reportedly eyeing a few different players, including Harper. However, most mock drafts show the Rutgers guard gone in the first three picks. As for LaMelo, the trade rumors started heating up after he was ruled out for the remainder of the season with two separate surgeries. He has struggled to stay on the floor for extended stretches of time and hasn't played a full season in four years. Advertisement Related: Michael Jordan turns heads by announcing return to NBA Ball was limited to 47 starts during his 2024-25 campaign due to ankle and wrist injuries. But it's important to remember that the Hornets reportedly have "no interest" in parting ways with LaMelo. Despite being limited, Ball averaged 25.2 points and 7.4 assists per game. Related: Will the Hornets send clear message with an aggressive trade in 2025 NBA draft? The Clippers were eliminated in the first-round of the NBA playoffs this season. With Kawhi Leonard and James Harden both near the top end for salaries, would they entertain adding Ball and the remainder of his $203 million contract? We'll see what happens in the coming months.
