After an exciting season, the Hornets are confident that the 21-22 will allow them to continue growing. This is how his coach James Borrego wanted to let him know, who also made it clear that he hopes that it is LaMelo Ball, recent Rookie of the Year, who will guide the team to the next level.
“I want him to take charge of the project,” he said. «It is ours quarterback, our captain on the track, and for us to make a leap in quality we need him to lead the team, not only on offense but also on defense.
While it might seem that these statements put too much pressure on a player who has only been in the NBA for one season, the truth is that LaMelo has earned so much confidence. It only took a few games for the point guard to adjust to the league and leave behind great performances, and in Charlotte they are aware that they have finally had a potential star to build around. In fact, he and Borrego have been working in individual sessions throughout the offseason, and the coach is clear on what he wants his player to focus on.
“Much of your success last year was passed on your instincts and your feelings. Now his next step is to manage who we are as a team, understanding who he has at his side and the league in general. Our conversations have gone in that direction, talking about our staff, our strengths, our values and their colleagues.
LaMelo, for his part, was determined to accept the challenge posed by his coach. After a season in which he proved to be made for great things, the point guard wants to take on stripes: “This is what being the point guard consists of. It will be my turn to act as a leader. It’s something I’ve been doing my whole life, so I think it’s the perfect position for me. “
“He is fully engaged and I love that it is so. I look forward to a great year from you »Borrego concluded.
(Cover photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)
